Pharyngeal cancers are a group of malignancies that arise in the pharynx, the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, and above the esophagus and larynx. Protheragen provides a holistic range of services to support the advancement of pharyngeal cancer diagnostics and therapeutic research and development.
Overview of Pharyngeal Cancer
Pharyngeal cancer refers to a collection of malignant tumors that originate in the pharynx, a region anatomically segmented into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx. Though relatively uncommon, these cancers are highly perilous due to their close proximity to vital anatomical structures and their potential to metastasize. The incidence and mortality rates of pharyngeal cancer fluctuate across the globe, shaped by regional variations in exposure to risk factors and the quality of healthcare systems. Given the significant health risks associated with these cancers, early detection and timely intervention are of paramount importance. This underscores the necessity for the development of robust diagnostic tools and effective therapeutic strategies to enhance outcomes.
Fig.1 Global maps of age-standardized mortality rates for other pharyngeal cancers for both sexes combined in 2019. (Huang J.,
et al., 2023)
Pathogenesis of Pharyngeal Cancer
The pathogenesis of pharyngeal cancer is multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Key risk factors include:
- Tobacco Use: Both smoking and smokeless tobacco use are strongly associated with an increased risk of pharyngeal cancer. Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogens that can damage the DNA in pharyngeal cells, leading to mutations and cancer development.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol intake is another major risk factor. Alcohol can act as a solvent, enhancing the penetration of carcinogens into pharyngeal tissues, and it can also generate reactive oxygen species that damage DNA.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: HPV, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, is increasingly recognized as a cause of oropharyngeal cancer. HPV-infected cells can undergo oncogenic transformation, leading to cancer development.
- Dietary Factors: Poor diet, characterized by low intake of fruits and vegetables and high consumption of processed meats, has been linked to an increased risk of pharyngeal cancer.
- Environmental Exposures: Exposure to certain environmental carcinogens, such as asbestos and wood dust, may also contribute to the development of pharyngeal cancer.
Diagnostics Development for Pharyngeal Cancer
Biomarker Identification
Recent strides in molecular biology have facilitated the discovery of a range of biomarkers associated with pharyngeal cancer. Genetic mutations, such as those in the TP53 and PIK3CA genes, as well as the overexpression of specific proteins like p16 in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers, have been identified as key indicators. Liquid biopsies, which involve the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood or saliva, provide a non-invasive means of detecting and monitoring pharyngeal cancer.
Imaging Techniques
Imaging is indispensable for diagnosing and staging pharyngeal cancer. Cutting-edge techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans offer in-depth insights into both the anatomy and function of tumors. MRI is particularly adept at delineating how extensively a tumor has invaded surrounding tissues. Meanwhile, PET scans can pinpoint metabolically active cancer cells, which is crucial for spotting metastases.
Therapeutics Development for Pharyngeal Cancer
- Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies zero in on particular molecular pathways that drive cancer growth and survival. For HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers, cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, has demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials. This monoclonal antibody targets the often overactivated EGFR pathway in these cancers, thereby curbing tumor growth and enhancing patient outcomes. Similarly, PARP inhibitors are employed for patients with BRCA-mutated pharyngeal cancers. These inhibitors leverage the synthetic lethality principle to trigger cancer cell death.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy leverages the body's immune system to identify and combat cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, like pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have shown substantial clinical efficacy in treating pharyngeal cancers. These medications function by obstructing the interaction between PD-1 or PD-L1 proteins, thereby amplifying T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity. For instance, a study reported a high response rate and long-lasting remissions in patients with recurrent or metastatic pharyngeal cancers who were treated with pembrolizumab.
Table 1. Therapeutics of Pharyngeal Cancer.
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Chemotherapy |
Cisplatin |
DNA |
Disrupts DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Carboplatin |
DNA |
Similar to cisplatin but with less nephrotoxicity. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) |
Thymidylate synthase |
Inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking thymidylate synthase. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Docetaxel |
Microtubules |
Stabilizes microtubules, preventing cell division. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Cetuximab |
EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) |
Blocks EGFR signaling, inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Nivolumab |
PD-1 (Programmed Death-1) |
Blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, enhancing the immune response against cancer cells. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Pembrolizumab |
PD-1 (Programmed Death-1) |
Similar to nivolumab, it blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. |
Approved |
| Immunotherapy |
Atezolizumab |
PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) |
Blocks PD-L1, preventing it from binding to PD-1 and activating T-cells. |
Phase III |
| Immunotherapy |
Durvalumab |
PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) |
Similar to atezolizumab, it targets PD-L1. |
Phase II/III |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
Protheragen provides all-encompassing services for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for pharyngeal cancer. Our capabilities cover the entire spectrum, from biomarker discovery and validation to the planning and implementation of preclinical studies. In the therapeutic domain, we excel in the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, employing cutting-edge preclinical models to assess efficacy and safety. We tailor our services to fit the distinct requirements of each project, delivering bespoke solutions that fast-track the development of effective therapeutics.
Disease Models
- C666-1 Cell Line Xenograft Models
- C17 Cell Line Xenograft Models
- NPC43 Cell Line Xenograft Models
- Patient-Derived Xenograft
Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in pharyngeal cancer research, Protheragen provides customized services to address specific project needs. Whether it's the development of a novel diagnostic assay, the optimization of a therapeutic compound, or the design of a preclinical study, our team of experts works closely with clients to develop tailored solutions. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Da Cunha, Amanda Ramos, et al. "The global, regional, and national burden of adult lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancer in 204 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2019." JAMA oncology 9.10 (2023): 1401-1416.
- Huang, Junjie, et al. "Disease burden, risk factors, and trends of lip, oral cavity, pharyngeal cancers: A global analysis." Cancer medicine 12.17 (2023): 18153-18164.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
