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Although anal cancer is not widespread, its incidence has steadily risen by 2.7% per year in the last 10 years. The principal risk factor for this type of cancer is a human papillomavirus infection, especially among people with chronic immunosuppression. At Protheragen, we proactively strive to advance cancer research in infrequent gastrointestinal disorders, particularly anal cancer. We offer a one-stop service that integrates all steps of the drug development cycle.
Due to its rarity, anal cancer constitutes approximately 2% of malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Like many cancers, anal cancer has its unique epidemiology which varies across Western countries, specifically the UK, Netherlands, Australia, and the US having an annual incidence of 0.7 to 1.7 cases per 100,000 individuals. The most prevalent form of anal cancer is squamous cell cancer, which has an astonishingly increasing incidence every year. In the US alone, squamous cell carcinoma of the anus is increasing annually by 2.7% with an increasing mortality rate of 3.1%.
It is believed that chronic inflammation, possibly due to HPV or HIV infection, or from inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to the development of anal cancer. The process of anal HPV-induced carcinogenesis is similar to that of the cervical type in that there is viral integration into the host's genome with successive formations of precursor lesions known as anal intraepithelial neoplasia. The most common HPV genotypes linked to the cancer are HPV-16 and HPV-18.
Fig.2 Biomarkers of anal cancer. (Carchman, E., and Sanger, C. B., 2025)
Drug Names | Mechanism of Action | Targets | NCT Number | Research Phase |
Pembrolizumab | Release the inhibition of the immune response of T-cells, including an anti-tumor response. | PD-1 | NCT06669572 | Phase II |
SCG142 | Transform the immunosuppressive effect of TGF-β to co-stimulatory signal, enhancing T cell persistence while further improving tumor cell killing. | HPV E7 | NCT06544720 | Phase I |
CRTE7A2-01 | Specifically, recognize and bind to the oncoprotein of HPV16 presented on the surface of tumor cells. | HPV E7 | NCT06358053 | Phase I |
HRYZ-T101 | Induce selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells expressing the HPV-18 TAA. | HPV-18 TAA | NCT05952947 | Phase I |
KFA115 | An immunomodulator under investigation for the therapy of certain advanced cancers. | N/A | NCT05544929 | Phase I |
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.
Anal cancer is complex and with the understanding of this complexity, we put together detailed strategies to overcome challenges, fast-tracking the conversion of your research work into impactful treatment options. Our multidisciplinary team provides a unique set of services which includes building anal cancer disease models, performing holistic biomarker identification, testing new drugs, and developing therapeutic interventions.
Preclinical studies aimed at trial interventions can be performed on animal models which allow for particular therapeutic aims to be evaluated. With the use of modern genetic approaches and the latest facilities, we guarantee the creation of strong and dependable anal cancer animal models that can propel your anal cancer research forward and expedite the discovery of new therapeutics.
These animals express HPV16 oncogenes (typically E6/E7), which mimics HPV-driven anal carcinogenesis.
Optional models: HPV16 E6/E7 transgenic model, etc.
In these animal models, chemicals or virus are topically applied to promote the initiation and progression of anal cancer.
Optional models: Papillomavirus-mediated model, DMBA-induced model, etc.
Tumor samples obtained directly from anal cancer individuals are implanted into appropriate immunodeficient mice.
Optional models: Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, etc.
Protheragen provides a highly integrated, end-to-end service model that encapsulates everything from the original discovery and development of an innovative drug to follow-up pharmacokinetic evaluations and drug safety assessments. Reach out to us for further queries at your convenience.
References
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.