Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that mainly affects children. About 200-300 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. Alfa Cytology is a world leader in the research of eye cancer. With our extensive experience and advanced platform, we can provide the best solutions for retinoblastoma.

Introduction to Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma originates in the retina, the vision-related tissue at the back of the eye. The condition usually occurs in early childhood, mostly before age five. Retinoblastoma can occur in one or both eyes and, if not detected and treated in time, can lead to vision loss and even require surgery to remove the affected eye.

The different stages of retinoblastoma. Fig.1 Development of retinoblastoma. (Kaewkhaw, R., & Rojanaporn, D., 2020)

Therapy Development for Retinoblastoma

Genetic mutations in retinal cells cause retinoblastoma. A therapy plan for retinoblastoma depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread beyond the eye, and the overall health of the child. The main therapy options for retinoblastoma include the following.

Chemotherapy
Cryotherapy

Radiation therapy
Thermotherapy

Laser therapy
Surgery

Ocular arterial chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used chemotherapy methods. Medicines have been developed including melphalan, topotecan, carboplatin, vincristine, and etoposide. There are also companies developing new retinoblastoma pipelines, such as Canget BioTekpharma, Targeted Therapy Technologies, and Oxular. The key targets in the retinoblastoma pipeline include E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase Mdm2, DNA Topoisomerase I, and Hyaluronidase PH 20.

Our Services

The mutation of the RBI gene caused most retinoblastoma cases. Most mutations in the RBI gene make it unable to produce functional proteins, thereby preventing cells from effectively regulating cell division. This causes retinal cells to divide uncontrollably and form malignant tumors. For retinoblastoma, Alfa Cytology works on providing comprehensive solutions.

Models of Retinoblastoma

Transplantable Models

Transplantable models involve the transplantation of retinoblastoma cells or tissues into experimental animals. We offer several options, including xenogeneic models, syngeneic models, heterotopic models, and orthotopic models.

Transgenic Models

Transgenic models are genetically modified animals that simulate specific genetic alterations associated with retinoblastoma. These models are helpful to study the effects of targeted genetic mutations and explore the underlying disease mechanisms.

Alfa Cytology also offers a range of animal model options specifically designed for retinoblastoma research, the species include mice, rats, zebrafish, chicks, dogs, non-human primates, and others. These models are crucial in understanding disease mechanisms, evaluating therapy outcomes, and developing new therapy strategies.

As a provider of comprehensive scientific research services, Alfa Cytology is committed to the research and study of cancer and provides one-stop services. Our cancer experts have many years of experience in the latest therapy development for retinoblastoma. If you are interested in our service, please contact us for more information.

Reference

Kaewkhaw, R., & Rojanaporn, D.; (2020) Retinoblastoma: Etiology, Modeling, and Treatment. Cancers, 12, 2304. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers12082304

For research use only.