Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is still a prominent health concern, having one of the highest cancer occurrences and remaining a leading cancer death. Protheragen, a provider of iron metabolism disease research services, focuses on the preclinical research of diseases related to iron metabolism, offering one-stop services. Our services enable researchers and scientists to explore the complex iron metabolism in disease, developing innovative therapies, which is an area of great significance.
Overview of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the world. Colorectal cancer specifically develops as adenocarcinoma from the glandular epithelial tissue of the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. It seems that the processes leading to the development of colorectal cancer are multi-faceted and require the bypass of numerous regulatory hurdles along with the disruption of several pathways. More recent studies indicate that excess, or even an inadequate amount of, iron is critical in initiating and promoting tumors, and even in the metastasis and response to therapy.
Fig.1 The role of iron metabolism in colorectal cancer. (Vidanapathirana, G., et al., 2025)
Iron Metabolism Abnormalities in Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is strongly associated with iron metabolism; the condition of iron overload resulting from certain genetic mutations or from excessive dietary iron is considered to be one of the major causes of colorectal cancer. Moreover, in colorectal cancer individuals, one can note the aberrant iron transport system of the intestine, along with increased iron levels in the tumor tissue.
The DMT1 iron transporter dysregulation is important for HIF-2α-driven colon cancer to develop because it increases tumor iron, leading to increased cell proliferation. Colorectal cancer is associated with altered expression of some iron metabolism-related proteins such as transferrin, divalent metal transporter 1, ferritin, transferrin receptor 1, lipocalin2, hepcidin, and others.
Fig.2 CD44 drives iron absorption in colorectal cancer cells during EMT. (Huang, L., et al., 2023)
Therapeutics Development for Colorectal Cancer
| Drug Name | Mechanism of Action | Targets | Research Phase |
| Deferoxamine | An iron chelator that works through the mechanism of capturing and removing surplus iron from the cancer cells to inhibit the proliferation and induce cancer cell death. | Iron overload | Preclinical |
| Dp44mT | Stimulates autophagy and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells while suppressing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). | Iron overload | Preclinical |
| HQ1-44 | Inhibit the DNA synthesis, causing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which leads to prominence in the antiproliferative effects. | Iron overload | Preclinical |
| YCL0426 | Causes G1/S phase cell cycle arrest, sustains DNA damage, and inhibits synthesis, which supports the antiproliferative effect. | Iron overload | Preclinical |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a therapy plan recommendation. For guidance on therapy options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
Utilizing our extensive understanding of iron metabolism along with our advanced research tools, we provide comprehensive support to accelerate your colorectal cancer therapy development programs. We offer integrated services from discovery to preclinical validation, which include developing diagnostics and therapeutics, disease modeling, and preclinical research for disorders associated with iron metabolism. Furthermore, we offer comprehensive pharmacokinetic studies and detailed safety evaluations related to the disposition of a drug within the body and its safety profile.
Therapeutic Development Services
Animal Model Development Services for Colorectal Cancer
For preclinical assessment of colorectal cancer therapies, robust and reliable animal models are indispensable. We offer cutting-edge animal model development services to meet your specific research requirements. We collaborate with our clients to customize animal models that precisely address their research questions and therapeutic approaches.
Genetically Engineered Models
Some of these models are developed by modifying the mouse genetic material to introduce some genetic changes characteristic of colorectal cancer in humans.
- Apc mutation model
- AhCre; Ptenf/f model
- Mutyh-/- model
- Others
Chemical-induced Models
Animals are treated with chemical carcinogens to induce colorectal tumors, and these models are set up to study the various phases of cancer progression.
- Heterocyclic amines (HCAs)-induced model
- 3,2-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl (DMAB)-induced model
- Methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced model
- Others
Xenograft Models
The implanting of human colorectal cancer cells or tissue into immunodeficient mice is done so that human tumor development and the response to therapy may be studied in vivo.
Pharmacokinetics and Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Protheragen's mission is to improve the understanding of colorectal cancer by targeting the significant area of iron metabolism. Our extensive range of services covers everything from fundamental research to preclinical development. We are your reliable partner in delivering and developing groundbreaking colorectal cancer therapies. Reach out to us today and discover how we can help you in your research efforts.
References
- Vidanapathirana, Gihani et al. "The Role of Iron Chelation Therapy in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review on Its Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential." Cancer medicine 14.13 (2025): e71019.
- Huang, Luji et al. "Iron metabolism in colorectal cancer." Frontiers in oncology 13 (2023): 1098501.