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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.

Lacrimal Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (LGMEC)

Lacrimal gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma (LGMEC) is a rare aggressive oncological disease coming from an exocrine gland that produces tears-the lacrimal gland. Protheragen is committed to fostering diagnostics and effective therapeutics solutions for lacrimal gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Introduction to Lacrimal Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (LGMEC)

Lacrimal gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma (LGMEC) is a type of cancer that is both rare and extremely aggressive since it originates in the lacrimal gland, which is an important part of the eye. This tumor is a special form of mucoepidermoid carcinomas which are mostly found in the salivary glands. LGMEC is described by a propensity for local recurrence and metastasis to the parotid gland, lung, brain, and mediastinum.

Photomicrographs of Lacrimal Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Tissue.

Fig.1 Photomicrographs of the tumor tissue are mainly comprised of squamous, epithelioid cells and cells that have plump and clear cytoplasms. (Horochoski L., et al., 2023)

Diagnostics Development for Lacrimal Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Diagnostics
Histopathological evaluation comes first when it comes to diagnosing LGMEC. The tumor consists of a blend of interleaved squamous, mucinous, and intermediate formations. To confirm the diagnosis, immunohistochemical markers like cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), p63, p40, and CEA are commonly applied. Mucinous components which assist in the diagnosis of LGMEC can be detected through stains such as Alcian Blue (AB) and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS).

Molecular Diagnostics
Techniques such as direct sequencing or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have made the detection of the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion gene an important diagnostic marker. This genetic marker not only assists in diagnosis but also improves prognostic evaluation and devising therapeutic strategies. For instance, one recent study established that the presence of the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion gene in cases with LGMEC was associated with lower odds of recurrence and metastasis.

Therapeutics Development for Lacrimal Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Both immunotherapy and targeted therapy stand as encouraging therapeutics options for LGMEC. Targeted therapy is the use of medications that block the action of mutated, pro-oncogenic genes or proteins. For instance, the use of anti-EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) activity has had some success in treating head and neck cancers, for instance, mucoepidermoid carcinomas.

Alongside that, immunotherapy utilizes the immune system of the whole body to fight against cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies, have shown great clinical usefulness in several solid tumors. While the information available regarding the use of immunotherapy in LGMEC is scarce, some active clinical studies might offer further insights concerning its application in the therapeutics of this occult neoplasm.

Our Services

With Protheragen we get the convenience of diagnostic development services, which include, but are not limited to, histopathology analysis, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostics. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are included in our expansive therapeutic development services, which allows us to provide complete solutions to our clients.

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

Disease Models

YC3.60 Transgenic Mouse Models
PINK1knockout Monkey Models
TSP-1 knockout Mouse Models

Protheragen understands that each client has unique needs and requirements. Our customized services are designed to provide tailored solutions for LGMEC research and therapeutic development. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Makino, Kensaku, et al. "Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal gland in a patient with the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion gene." Radiology Case Reports 16.12 (2021): 3643-3646.
Wu, Yi, and Weimin He. "Lacrimal gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma with contralateral eye and systemic metastasis: A rare case report and review of the literature." Frontiers in Oncology 13 (2023): 1131587.
Brar, Sonia T., and Dale Meyer. "Diagnosis and management of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal duct." Orbit 30.1 (2011): 34-36.