Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a malignant cancer that arises from the urothelial lining of the renal collecting tubules, calyces, pelvis, ureter, bladder, and urethra. At our company, we are at the forefront of UC research, offering a comprehensive range of services dedicated to diagnostics, therapy development, and animal model development for preclinical research.
Overview of Urothelial Carcinoma (UC)
Urothelial carcinoma (UC), also referred to as transitional cell carcinoma, originates from the urothelium, which is the epithelial lining of the urinary tract. The estimated incidence of UC ranges from 18.6 to 25.7 cases per 100,000 individuals. This type of carcinoma can affect various components of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UC represents the majority of bladder cancer cases and a smaller proportion of malignancies in the upper urinary tract.
Fig. 1 Potentially mutations and pathways in urothelial carcinoma (UC). (Mollica, Veronica,
et al., 2020)
Pathogenesis of Urothelial Carcinoma (UC)
The most significant risk factor for UC is cigarette smoking, which has been strongly associated with an increased incidence of bladder cancer. Occupational exposures to certain chemicals, such as aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, have also been linked to the development of UC.
Balkan endemic nephropathy, prevalent in Balkan countries, has been associated with the development of urothelial tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter. This condition is believed to be caused by dietary exposure to aristolochic acid, a potent carcinogen derived from Aristolochia plants.
Genetic factors can contribute to the development of UC. Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited condition characterized by abnormalities in DNA mismatch repair genes. Individuals with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of developing urothelial neoplasms, including UC.
Therapies of Urothelial Carcinoma (UC)
- Immunotherapy
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, have revolutionized the therapeutics of advanced UC. These drugs enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells, leading to improved survival outcomes.
| Class of drugs |
Agents |
Target |
| Checkpoint inhibitors |
Atezolizumab |
PD-L1 |
| Pembrolizumab |
PD-1 |
| Ipilimumab |
CTLA-4 |
| Nivolumab+/-ipilimumab |
PD-1+/- CTLA4 |
| Nivolumab |
PD-1 |
| Vaccines |
NY-ESO-1+/-sirolimus |
NY-ESO-1 |
| MAGE-A3 |
MAGE-A3 |
| Ad/HER2 |
HER2/neu |
| ALT-801 |
T cells |
- Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies aim to inhibit specific molecular targets involved in UC pathogenesis. FGFR inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, and other targeted agents are being explored as potential therapeutic options.
| Class of drugs |
Agents |
Target |
| Tyrosine kinase inhibitors |
JNJ-42756493 |
Pan-FGFR |
| BGJ398 |
Pan-FGFR |
| Buparlisib |
Pan-PI3K |
| Alisertib |
Aurora A Kinase |
| Monoclonal antibody |
Bevacizumab |
VEGF |
| Antisense oligonucleotide |
Apatorsen |
HSP27 |
| Histone deacetylase inhibitor |
Mocetinostat |
HDAC |
| Cyclin-dependant kinase inhibitor |
Palbociclib |
CDKN2A |
| Antiangiogenic agent |
Ramucirumab |
VEGF-2 |
Our Services
By integrating the professional services we provide in diagnostics, therapeutic development, and preclinical research, we aim to make a significant contribution to the UC field and ultimately accelerate the development of UC therapies by pharmaceutical companies.
Therapy Development Platforms
Animal Models of Urothelial Carcinoma (UC)
| Customized Animal Models |
| Our company is at the forefront of UC animal model development services, providing researchers with invaluable tools to advance our understanding of the disease and develop effective therapies. From different species models to PDX models and other specialized animal models, our comprehensive services enable researchers to study disease progression and develop personalized therapy strategies. |
| Optional Models |
- BBN-induced Model Development
- Naturally-occurring Canine Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma Model Development
|
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| Optional Species |
Mouse, Rat, Dog, Others |
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Mollica, Veronica, et al. "Current strategies and novel therapeutic approaches for metastatic urothelial carcinoma." Cancers 12.6 (2020): 1449.
- Rouanne, Mathieu, et al. "Novel therapeutic targets in advanced urothelial carcinoma." Critical reviews in oncology/hematology 98 (2016): 106-115.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
