Schwannomas, also known as neurilemomas, are benign tumors that arise from Schwann cells, which are responsible for forming the myelin sheath around peripheral nerves. Alfa Cytology is committed to pioneering new therapeutic approaches for schwannoma treatment for our clients.
Introduction to Schwannoma
The incidence of schwannomas is estimated to be approximately 1 per 100,000 individuals, with the majority occurring in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. The most recognized type of schwannoma is vestibular schwannoma (VS), which affects the vestibular nerve and can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.
Approximately 5-10% of VS cases are bilateral, particularly in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a genetic disorder characterized by the development of multiple tumors. The NF2 gene, located on chromosome 22, plays a critical role in regulating cell growth and proliferation, and its mutation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of these tumors.
Therapeutic Development for Schwannoma
As with other primary and metastatic brain tumors, the future of immune-based therapeutic approaches to meningiomas remains promising. The treatment landscape for schwannomas has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Historically, management included surgical resection, which remains the most definitive treatment for symptomatic tumors. However, surgical approaches may not always be feasible, especially in cases where tumors are large or located near critical structures. Recent advancements have focused on non-surgical interventions, particularly targeted therapies.
|
NCT |
Target |
Therapeutics |
Phase |
| NCT01201538 |
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase |
Nilotinib |
|
| NCT06517888 |
Anti- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Gene Therapy |
AAVAnc80-antiVEGF via Akouos Delivery Device |
|
| NCT01083966 |
Humanized Monoclonal Antibody Against VEGF |
Bevacizumab |
|
| NCT02129647 |
VEGFR and Kinase Inhibitor |
AXITINIB |
|
| NCT01880749 |
mTOR Inhibitor |
RAD001 |
|
| NCT02934256 |
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) |
Icotinib |
|
Our Services
At Alfa Cytology, we specialize in preclinical services tailored to the unique needs of clients working in the field of schwannoma and other oncological research. Our offerings include:
Case Study - Schwannoma Mouse Model
Model Introduction
The schwannoma mouse model provides a clinically relevant preclinical platform for evaluating novel therapeutic strategies for vestibular schwannoma (VS) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-associated tumors. This model recapitulates key signaling pathways observed in human VS, including activated mTORC1/2 and EPH receptor/SFK signaling.
Model Information
- Model: Schwannoma Mouse Model
- Animal: Syngeneic Immunocompetent FVB/C57BL/6 Mice
- Weight: 22-24 g
Model Construction
The schwannoma mouse model was established by implanting Nf2−/− mouse Schwann cells into the sciatic nerve of syngeneic immunocompetent FVB/C57BL/6 mice. Cell suspension was injected slowly under the sciatic nerve sheath using a syringe. Tumor size was measured by caliper every 3 days until tumors reached 1 cm in diameter.
Fig. 1 Workflow of allograft schwannoma mouse model establishment. (Source: Alfa Cytology)
In Vivo Efficacy Evaluation
This study employed the established schwannoma mouse model to evaluate the therapeutic effects of drug A and drug B administered alone or in combination. Drug A is a dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor, while drug B is a multi-kinase inhibitor.
- Drug A Monotherapy: Drug A administered alone induced significant tumor growth delay compared to vehicle-treated controls.
- Drug B Monotherapy: Drug B administered alone also induced significant tumor growth delay compared to vehicle-treated controls.
- Drug A + Drug B Combination Therapy: Combination therapy with drug A and drug B resulted in the most dramatic tumor growth delay, a response significantly more effective than that produced by either monotherapy alone.
Fig. 2 Combination drug A and drug B therapy significantly inhibits tumor growth in the schwannoma mouse model. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. (Source: Alfa Cytology)
Contact Us
For more information about our services or to discuss potential collaborations in the field of schwannoma research, please feel free to
contact us.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
Related Services
