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- Ocular Paraneoplastic Syndrome (OPS)
The presentation of ocular paraneoplastic syndrome (OPS) is highly variable, often mimicking other ocular diseases, which complicates diagnosis and necessitates a comprehensive approach to therapy development. Protheragen provides customized OPS diagnostics and therapeutic development services to our clients. From drug discovery to preclinical research, our goal is to provide a one-stop solution.
Ocular Paraneoplastic Syndrome (OPS) is a singular, complex disorder of systemic cancers which has an immune-related ocular complication. Whereas direct invasion or metastasis of the eye is done through the ocular region, OPS develops due to the neoplasms which are far more remote in nature and are to a large degree the by-products of immune autoimmunity owing to the interaction of synthesized tumor antigens with eye antigens. The syndrome encompasses various eye pathologies including: cancer associated retinopathy (CAR), melanoma associated retinopathy (MAR), post cancer optic neuropathy (PON) and bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP).
Fig.1 The pathophysiology of ocular paraneoplastic syndromes (OPNS). (Przeździecka-Dołyk J., et al., 2020
The foundation of OPS diagnosis relies heavily on serological testing, which concentrates on seeking particular autoantibodies within the serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The antibodies are representative markers for various forms of OPS. For instance, CAR is paired with anti-recoverin antibodies, whereas anti-TRPM1 antibodies are associated with MAR. Their presence is detected and measured using Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry.
| Therapeutics | Targets | Description | Stages |
| Immunosuppressive Agents | Immune System | To mitigate the autoimmune reaction, broad-spectrum corticosteroids such as prednisone, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil are employed as immunosuppressants. | Approved |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | Specific Immune Pathways | Monoclonal antibodies such as alemtuzumab which targets CD52, rituximab which targets CD20, and infliximab which targets TNF-α, are utilized to aim at immune cells or pathways engaged in OPS. | Approved |
| Calcium Channel Blockers | Calcium Signaling Pathways | Nifedipine and other similar drugs inhibit calcium channels to mitigate apoptosis and maintain the function of retinal cells. | Approved |
| Caspase Inhibitors | Apoptotic Pathways | These agents block the activity of caspase enzymes which stops apoptosis from occurring and enables retinal cells to survive. | Preclinical |
| Anti-Growth Factor Therapies | Growth Factors (e.g., VEGF) | Targeting growth factors like VEGF to reduce vascular leakage and inflammation in conditions such as BDUMP (Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation). | Preclinical |
| Autologous T-Cell Therapy | Immune Cells | Experimental therapies involving the modification and reinfusion of a patient's own T-cells to target and reduce autoimmune activity. | Preclinical |
| Small Molecule Inhibitors | Intracellular Pathways | Small molecules targeting intracellular signaling pathways involved in immune activation and inflammation are being explored for their potential in treating OPS. | Preclinical |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research service. 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.
To tackle and diagnose Ocular Paraneoplastic Syndrome, a complex condition, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary from the onset. Protheragen works collaboratively to integrate innovative therapeutics and cutting-edge diagnostics to advance the field. We currently service, but are not limited to:
Recognizing the unique challenges posed by OPS, Protheragen offers customized services to meet the specific needs of researchers. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
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