Solutions

Online Inquiry

* Your Name

* Phone Number

* E-mail Address

* Services Interested

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.

Eyelid Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) is an exceptionally rare malignancy that most commonly develops in the salivary glands, while it may also develop in other glandular structures such as the eyelid. Protheragen provides fully integrated diagnostics and therapeutics development services for Eyelid Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma.

Introduction to Eyelid Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Eyelid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is an uncommon neoplasm of the eyelid derived from its epithelium, containing a mixture of mucous, squamous, and intermediate cells. This tumor has been shown to occur in the salivary glands as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, but it is exceedingly uncommon with only a few documented instances. Their features usually involve a progressively enlarging, painless mass or nodule on the eyelid which has the potential to ulcerate or develop cysts. Like most tumors, eyelid MEC is uncommon making the diagnosis and therapeutics challenging which requires a single approach from multiple specialists.

A case of histopathological analysis of a eyelid mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Fig.1 Histological analysis of a cutaneous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the eyelid. (Su R., et al., 2021)

Diagnostics Development for Eyelid Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Immunodiagnostics
The tumor is marked by the combination of mucus cells, squamousssel, and intermediary cells commonly delineated in nests of lobules. The presence of mucigenic cells which is PAS positive is an important distinguishing feature. Immunohistochemistry will also help describe the tumor because cytokeratin 7 and epithelial membrane antigen as well as carcinoembryonic antigen would usually be positive. On the other hand, negative results are commonly associated with cytokeratin 20 and S100.
Molecular Diagnostics
Certain molecular techniques including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and next generation sequencing (NGS) are capable of detecting specific genetic defects and chromosomal rearrangements. For example, detection of the CRTC1/MAML2 fusion gene using FISH or NGS is a very helpful diagnosis. Furthermore, alterations of the CDKN2A and TP53 genes are also detectable with NGS where their presence may indicate a more aggressive tumor, which is useful for more individualized therapy.

Therapeutics Development for Eyelid Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies offer unprecedented approaches towards treating eyelid MEC. For example, the monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, which targets the HER2/neu receptor, has shown some responses in patients with HER2 overexpressing tumors. In a like fashion, antiangiogenic drugs such as sorafenib and nintedanib have shown activity in recurrent and metastatic salivary gland carcinomas owing to their ability to suppress angiogenic pathways.

Immunotherapy

The therapeutics of eyelid MEC has recently integrated new approaches, including immunotherapy. Cancers with significant microsatellite instability or MSI have shown favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab. Although the role of eyelid MEC remains to be fully elucidated, preliminary research findings seem to indicate its value in managing advanced cases of the disease.

Our Services

We leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as next-generation sequencing and advanced imaging, to identify specific genetic alterations and assess tumor characteristics. Our therapeutic development services include targeted therapies and immunotherapy, providing comprehensive solutions for this rare tumor.

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

CDKN2A Mutation Mouse Models
TP53 Mutation Mouse Models
Cell Line Xenograft Mouse Models
MEC-associated Mutation Zebrafish Models

Protheragen offers customized services to meet the specific needs of our clients, from diagnostic development to therapeutic innovation. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Su, Robin, Ayad Abrou, and Michael Abowd. "A Rare Case of Cutaneous Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Eyelid: A Case Report and Literature Review." Case reports in ophthalmology 12.2 (2021): 380-385.
Sama, Srikar, Takefumi Komiya, and Achuta Kumar Guddati. "Advances in the treatment of mucoepidermoid carcinoma." World Journal of Oncology 13.1 (2021): 1.