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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Choroidal Metastasis

The pathogenesis of choroidal metastasis involves intricate mechanisms of hematogenous spread and the peculiarities of the choroidal microenvironment. Protheragen's choroidal metastases services are designed to be diagnostic and therapeutic development focused, and we are proud to offer unparalleled service in these areas.

Introduction to Choroidal Metastasis

Choroidal metastasis is the growth of the cancer cells into the choroid which is the vascularized layer of the eye and it is usually a late complication of systemic cancers. In breast and lung cancers, this trait is found in about 40–53% and 20–29% of cases respectively. A large number of primary cancers can give rise to these metastases such as gastrointestinal, prostate, renal, and skin cancers.

Fig.1 Most common primary source of choroidal metastases. (Frossard J. C., et al., 2020)

This is a case of tumor cells from their primary focus metastasizing through the bloodstream due to the enhanced blood supply the choroid receives. The choroidal vasculature has fenestrated endothelium which permits easy access to tumor emboli. Moreover, the choroid can support these metastatic cells as they change and grow, which can lead to the damage of ocular tissues and the impairment of vision.

Diagnostic Methods for Choroidal Metastasis

Liquid Biopsy

A liquid biopsy approach is carried out by studying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) within blood samples. These approaches are non-invasive and can provide an updated assessment of the tumor and its response to therapy.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

IHC enables the identification of particular proteins and other markers in tissue samples. For instance, the presence of melanoma-associated antigens such as HMB45 and Melan-A aid in diagnosing choroidal metastasis.

Therapeutics Development for Choroidal Metastasis

Systemic Therapy
Systemic therapies are foundational in managing choroidal metastasis, especially in bilateral, multifocal cases. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy are provided according to the primary cancer type. Breast cancer-associated metastasis tends to be responsive to hormonal therapeutics like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. Systemic chemotherapy regimens have also been successful in managing tumor growth and improving overall prognosis.

Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections
Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents which include Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab have shown great promise in treating choroidal metastases. These agents directly interfere with neovascularization through their angiogenesis-inhibiting properties and mitigate leakage. There are reports that some patients have exhibited significant tumor reduction and vision stabilization following anti-VEGF therapeutic which suggests it may be ideal for cases serving as first-line therapy.

Our Services

Our diagnostic and therapeutic development services for choroidal metastasis are extensive. At Protheragen, we specialize in the full scope of R&D from the early phase to preclinical studies.

Diagnostics Development

Karyotype Analysis Service
Omics Analysis Service
Biomarker Development Service
Artificial Intelligence Service

Therapeutic Development

Small Molecule Drug
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Therapeutic Antibody
Therapeutic Peptide
Therapeutic Protein

Preclinical Research

Pharmacodynamics Study Services
Pharmacokinetics Study Services
Drug Safety Evaluation Services

Disease Models

Breast Cancer Choroidal Metastasis Models
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMMs)
Orthotopic Xenograft Models
Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) Models
Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Diabetic Retinopathy Models

In order to accompany the implementation of our diagnostic and therapeutic innovations, Protheragen has built broad preclinical research capabilities. Our researchers and facilities are actively assisting in the safety and efficacy evaluation of our choroidal metastasis solutions using relevant in vitro and in vivo models. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Mathis, Thibaud, et al. "New concepts in the diagnosis and management of choroidal metastases." Progress in retinal and eye research 68 (2019): 144-176.
Arepalli, Sruthi, Swathi Kaliki, and Carol L. Shields. "Choroidal metastases: origin, features, and therapy." Indian journal of ophthalmology 63.2 (2015): 122-127.