Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNETs) are defined as resting between the ligament of Treitz and the ileocecal valve. They are described as being of small size and provoking an extensive fibrotic reaction in the small bowel, including the mesentery which leads to narrowing or twisting of the bowel. Protheragen is meeting customer needs by offering a specialist preclinical drug development service and additional preclinical research for SBNETs, to facilitate their research projects.
Cancer of the small intestine is uncommon, making up only around 3% of neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The most frequently found types are: adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and lymphomas. SBNETs are now the most common primary malignancies of the small intestine, representing about 50% of all NETs, and are usually regarded as midgut tumors which have an incidence of 0.7-1.05 per 100,000. This type of NET synthesizes serotonin, leading to a symptom known as carcinoid syndrome.
Fig.1 Incidence of NETs in the gastrointestinal system. (Gonzáles-Yovera, J. G., et al., 2022)Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNETs) arise from neuroendocrine cells located in the epithelial layer of the intestinal wall. These tumors were assumed to arise from random patterns of genetic alterations; however, large population studies suggest that predisposed genetics and the presence of the disease in certain families strongly increase the risk. SBNETs have been associated with both familial and sporadic mutations, including MUTYH, IPMK, and OGG1. Changes in CDKN1B and the resulting loss of p27 expression tend to be linked with tumorigenesis in SBNETs.
Fig.2 Pathophysiology of SBNETs. (Gonzáles-Yovera, J. G., et al., 2022)| Drug Names | Mechanism of Action | Targets | Research Phase |
| Telotristat Ethyl | It inhibits tryptophan hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for the rate-limiting reaction in the synthesis of serotonin. | TPH1 | Phase III |
| CAPTEM | Synergistic in inducing apoptosis in neuroendocrine tumor cell. | TYMS, DNA | Phase II |
| Pazopanib | Inhibit the intracellular tyrosine kinase of VEGFR and PDGFR and possess antiangiogenic properties. | VEGFR, PDGFR | Phase II |
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.
Protheragen attends to works closely with clients to ensure successful outcomes in the drug development process for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including SBNETs. We are ready to help you make novel diagnostic and effective therapeutic development solutions and even aid you in the development of an array of disease models to further SBNETs research.
Animal models can be quite useful in understanding SBNETs' complexities and in formulating therapy and prevention plans. We assist in developing custom SBNET animal models and refine them according to shifting research requirements.
We performed xenotransplantation of human small bowel NET cells or tumor fragments into immunodeficient mice (for example, nude mice or SCID mice). They can be done either as subcutaneous xenografts or as orthotopic xenografts.
By combining our knowledge with experience gained in drug development, Protheragen offers pharmacokinetic and biosafety testing services and ensures safety and efficacy in every step of the process. Collaborate with us to take advantage of our holistic solutions and propel your drug development initiatives forward. Contact us with any inquiries about our wide range of services and we would be glad to help.
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