Although small intestinal cancer is relatively uncommon, it is on the rise and poses considerable difficulties in diagnostics as well as therapeutic development. Protheragen is a leading research services provider at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to address these challenges. By leveraging cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art technologies, Protheragen aims to provide comprehensive diagnostics and therapeutic development services.
Overview of Small Intestine Cancer
Small intestine cancer refers to a diverse range of oncological diseases that develop in the small intestine, the longest part of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite constituting under 5% of all gastrointestinal cancers, its prevalence has dramatically increased over the last four decades. The small intestine has three major parts, namely, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum is the most frequently observed region for cancers. The lack of this cancer type has hitherto constrained large-scale research studies, but recent progress in imaging technologies, as well as molecular biology, has enhanced understanding of the disease's pathogenesis and possible therapeutic options.
Fig.1 Five-year survival rates for small bowel cancer in the United States. (Barsouk A.,
et al., 2019)
Pathogenesis of Small Intestine Cancer
The development of cancer in the small intestine can arise from varying factors including chronic inflammation, lifestyle choices, and genetic alterations. This includes changes in the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which is present in roughly 50% of small bowel adenocarcinomas (SBA). Also, mutations in the APC gene and activation of the beta-catenin pathways, which are known to control cellular replication, are also common in SBA. In addition, SBA has been associated with sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and increased alcohol consumption, as well as a diet high in processed meats and red meats. Chronic inflammatory conditions also increase the risk, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, which are likely to lead to sustained inflammation and prolonged exposure to potential carcinogens.
Diagnostics Development for Small Intestine Cancer
Laboratory Tests
The initial screening and diagnosis of cancer of the small intestine takes into account laboratory tests. The existence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is corroborated by heightened 24-h urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and serum chromogranin A (CgA) levels. Likewise, a rise in the value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) predicts the presence of adenocarcinomas. These indicators carry great significance regarding early identification and directing further diagnostic steps.
Histopathology
The diagnosis of small intestine cancer is still confirmed, without exception, through the histopathological examination. Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) lesions is supported on basis of IHC stains for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). NETs are distinguished with GISTs by specific staining for KIT (CD117) and DOG1. These markers are important in distinguishing between 'benign' and 'malignant' lesions and assist in therapeutic strategy evaluation.
Nuclear Imaging
Because of their expansion of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)metastasis assessment, radiolabeled somatostatin analogs possess high sensitivity. Their neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) detection rate is almost 90%. Information about disease progression as well as tumor metabolism can be captured through positron emission tomography (PET) scans which utilize radiolabeled biological substances such as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) or 11C-5-Hydroxytryptophan.
Therapeutics of Small Intestine Cancer
| Drug Name |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| Capecitabine |
Cancer Cells |
An oral chemotherapy drug used to treat small intestine adenocarcinoma, especially in combination with other drugs. |
Approved |
| 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) |
Cancer Cells |
A chemotherapy drug often used in combination with leucovorin to enhance its effectiveness in treating small intestine adenocarcinoma. |
Approved |
| Oxaliplatin |
Cancer Cells |
Used in combination with 5-FU and leucovorin (FOLFOX regimen) for treating advanced small intestine adenocarcinoma. |
Approved |
| Irinotecan |
Cancer Cells |
Another chemotherapy drug that can be used in combination with 5-FU and leucovorin (FOLFIRI regimen) for advanced cases. |
Approved |
| Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) |
NTRK Gene Fusion |
A targeted therapy drug used to treat metastatic small intestine adenocarcinoma with NTRK gene fusion. |
Approved |
| Entrectinib (Rozlytrek) |
NTRK Gene Fusion |
A targeted therapy drug used for metastatic small intestine adenocarcinoma with NTRK gene fusion. |
Approved |
| Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) |
Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) |
An immunotherapy drug used for small intestine cancers with specific gene mutations (e.g., MMR gene mutations or MSI). |
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 specializes in providing comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic development services specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges associated with small intestine cancer. Our offerings span the entire spectrum of preclinical research, ranging from biomarker identification to the development of targeted therapies.
Diagnostics Development
- Karyotype Analysis Service
- Omics Analysis Service
- Biomarker Development Service
- Artificial Intelligence Service
- Customized Diagnostics Development Service
Therapeutic Development
- Anticancer Peptide
- Gene Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal Antibody
- Phytotherapy
- Small Molecule Drug
- Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine
Disease Models
- Primary Intestinal Epithelial Cells
- Human Primary Intestinal Organoids
- Mouse Intestinal Organoids
- Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models
Protheragen's preclinical research services are designed to accelerate the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for small intestine cancer. We offer in vitro and in vivo models to study tumor growth, metastasis, and response to therapeutics. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Barsouk, Adam, et al. "Epidemiology of cancers of the small intestine: trends, risk factors, and prevention." Medical Sciences 7.3 (2019): 46.
- Jin, Shi. "Role of p53 in anticancer drug treatment-and radiation-induced injury in normal small intestine." Cancer Biology & Medicine 9.1 (2012): 1-8.
- Gustafsson, Bjorn I., et al. "Uncommon cancers of the small intestine, appendix and colon: an analysis of SEER 1973-2004, and current diagnosis and therapy." International journal of oncology 33.6 (2008): 1121-1131.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
