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- Lacrimal Gland Tumors
Lacrimal gland tumors are rare neoplasms that arise from the lacrimal gland. At Protheragen, we offer comprehensive services for the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for lacrimal gland tumors. Our state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in molecular diagnostics, preclinical studies, and animal model development allow us to provide tailored solutions to researchers.
Lacrimal gland tumors are unusual and unique neoplastic formations that develop from the tissues of the lacrimal gland, a small but important structure positioned in the upper lateral region of the eye socket. Broadly, these tumors can be sub-grouped into benign or malignant neoplasms. The two common types of ACC are malignant adenoid cystic carcinoma and pleomorphic adenoma, which is a common type of benign tumor. The peculiar adenomatoid tumors have an incidence of approximately 1.3 per million per year, which makes diagnosis and therapeutics quite difficult.
Fig.1 Incidence of malignant lacrimal gland tumors from 1975 to 2020 adjusted to the 2000 standard US population. (He L. f., et al., 2024)
Molecular diagnostics is a new area of research in the diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumors. Specific gene fusions and mutations can assist in further classification and prognostication of these tumors. For instance, detection of PLAG1 or HMGA2 gene fusions in pleomorphic adenomas is informative of the tumor's biological behavior and its risk for malignant change. Likewise, molecular profiling of ACCs may expose certain genetic changes that are amenable to therapeutics.
| Therapeutics | Target | Description | Research Stage |
| Rituximab | CD20 (B-cell marker) | An immunotherapy agent used for treating lymphomas, including ocular adnexal lymphoma. It targets CD20 on B-cells, enhancing the immune system's ability to destroy cancer cells. | Approved |
| Cisplatin | Rapidly dividing cancer cells | Used in neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the lacrimal gland. It helps shrink tumors before surgical removal. | Approved |
| Doxorubicin | Rapidly dividing cancer cells | Combined with cisplatin in intra-arterial chemotherapy for ACC. It is also used in systemic chemotherapy regimens for advanced cases. | Approved |
| Lapatinib | HER2 receptor | A HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor was used in a case report for metastatic ductal carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. It targets the HER2 receptor, which is overexpressed in some lacrimal gland carcinomas. | Discovery |
| Trastuzumab (Herceptin) | HER2 receptor | A monoclonal antibody targeting the HER2 receptor, considered for metastatic HER2-positive lacrimal gland ductal carcinoma. | Discovery |
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.
At Protheragen, we understand that each project is unique. Our customized services are tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients, whether they are developing new diagnostics, evaluating novel therapies, or conducting preclinical research.
Protheragen's preclinical research services are designed to support the development of novel therapies for lacrimal gland tumors. We offer a range of services, including in vitro and in vivo studies, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new drugs and therapeutic modalities. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
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