Rectal adenocarcinoma is a form of colorectal cancer (CRC) that develops from the glandular epithelial tissues of the rectum, constituting approximately 30–35% of all CRC cases. Protheragen offers comprehensive research services for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics targeting rectal adenocarcinoma.
Overview of Rectal Adenocarcinoma
Rectal adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor of the glandular epithelium of the rectum, and the most common type of rectal cancer. It involves the uncontrolled growth of the constituent cells of glands, frequently undergoing a genetic and epigenetic changeover. The West is especially witnessing a rise in the occurrence of such carcinoma due to diet, inactivity, and aging populations. Prompt and efficient management of the disease is key for improving patient mortality and morbidity outcomes because the disease is often asymptomatic, and symptoms can be vague and nonspecific. Delayed management of the disease can lead to organ metastasis which becomes increasingly difficult to treat.
Fig.1 The differences in the median tumor and ANM CD63 and CD9 scores between pre-NCCR rectal biopsy and post-NCCR resected rectum is visualized in (A) and (B), respectively. (Khushman M. D.,
et al., 2021)
Pathogenesis of Rectal Adenocarcinoma
Development of rectal adenocarcinoma is an intricate, multistep procedure and it starts with fundamental changes at the molecular level, like epigenetic alterations and genetic mutations, as well as interactions with the tumor's microenvironment. Some of the major genetic changes include splits in the APC gene, often referred to as 'gatekeeper' of the Wnt signaling pathway, resulting in excessive β-catenin accumulation and uncontrolled cell division. Moreover, mutations in KRAS and BRAF genes are often seen, which helps to further corroborate the MAPK pathway, thus aiding increase tumor proliferation and survival. Epigenetics involved, like DNA methylation or silencing the histone, greatly aids in the tumor growth by inactivating tumor suppressor genes and activating control of gene expression. Cells like immune cells, fibroblasts and extracellular matrix constituents make up the tumor microenvironment and also stimulate cancer progression by creating a favorable environment for these cells.
Therapeutics Development for Rectal Adenocarcinoma
- Targeted Therapies
Rectal adenocarcinoma has specially aimed therapies designed to inhibit the alternated molecular pathways. Cetuximab and panitumumab, anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, for example, block the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)and downstream signaling in patients with KRAS wild-type tumors. Tumor angiogenesis as well is reduced by anti-VEGF therapies like Bevacizumab and aflibercept, which target VEGF, leading to improved survival rates.
- Immunotherapies
The body's immune system is used in immunotherapy to treat rectal adenocarcinoma, and there is potential in it. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, effectively restoring anti-tumor immune responses for cancer cell survival. Transformative medicine therapies that are still being researched are cancer immunization, adoptive T-cell therapies, and oncolytic virotherapy.
Table 1. Therapeutics of rectal adenocarcinoma.
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Chemotherapy |
fluorouracil (5-FU) Capecitabine
Oxaliplatin
|
Cancer Cells |
Chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine, and oxaliplatin are commonly used. They can be administered before surgery to shrink tumors, making them easier to remove, or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. |
Approved |
| Radiation Therapy |
- |
Cancer Cells |
External beam radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy. It can be used preoperatively to shrink tumors or postoperatively to eliminate residual cancer cells. |
Approved |
| Combined Chemotherapy and Radiation |
- |
Cancer Cells |
This combination enhances the effectiveness of both treatments. It may be used before surgery to improve surgical outcomes or as the primary treatment in some cases. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Regorafenib |
Specific Molecules |
Targeted therapies like cetuximab target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and are used in combination with chemotherapy for advanced cancers. Regorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, is used for patients who have progressed on previous therapies. |
Approved |
| FOLFOX Regimen |
Leucovorin
Fluorouracil
Oxaliplatin
|
Cancer Cells |
A combination of leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin used in chemotherapy regimens for rectal cancer. |
Approved |
| VEGF Receptor Inhibitor |
Fruquintinib |
VEGF Receptors |
An inhibitor of VEGF receptors 1, 2, and 3, used for metastatic colorectal cancer after previous treatments. |
Approved |
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's diagnostics and therapeutics development services are characterized by cutting-edge technologies, rigorous scientific methodologies, and a commitment to innovation. Our molecular diagnostics capabilities leverage next-generation sequencing and advanced bioinformatics to identify actionable biomarkers. For therapeutics development, our comprehensive platforms support the evaluation of targeted agents and immunotherapies, ensuring a holistic approach to preclinical research.
- Karyotype Analysis Service
- Omics Analysis Service
- Biomarker Development Service
- Artificial Intelligence Service
- Customized Diagnostics Development
- Anticancer Peptide
- Gene Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal Antibody
- Phytotherapy
- Small Molecule Drug
- Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine
- Conventional 2D Cell Cultures
- 3D Spheroid Cultures
- Spontaneous Tumor Models
- Azoxymethane (AOM) and Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) Induced Models
- HT-29 and HCT-116 Xenograft Models
Protheragen's
preclinical research services for rectal adenocarcinoma encompass a wide range of capabilities, from in vitro assays to in vivo models. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to
contact us.
Reference
- Khushman, Moh'D., et al. "The impact of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation on exosomal markers (CD63 and CD9) expression and their prognostic significance in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma." Oncotarget 12.15 (2021): 1490.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
