Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer that poses significant clinical challenges. At Alfa Cytology, our team of experienced biologists work with you to develop IBC therapeutics.
Introduction to Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
Accounting for only 2-4% of all breast cancer cases, IBC is characterized by its rapid onset, propensity for locoregional recurrence, and dismal prognosis. Unlike its non-inflammatory counterparts, IBC often presents with distinct skin changes, such as erythema, edema, and peau d'orange appearance, which are the result of extensive dermal lymphatic invasion by tumor cells.
Fig.1 Update on systemic treatment for inflammatory breast cancer. (Chainitikun S., et al. 2020)
Therapy Development for Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
Emerging evidence suggests that the unique tumor microenvironment (TME) of IBC, characterized by extensive lymphovascular invasion, immune dysfunction, and aberrant angiogenesis, plays a pivotal role in driving aggressive disease progression.
Our preclinical studies have identified several promising molecular targets within the IBC TME, including components of the lymphangiogenic and angiogenic signaling cascades, as well as key immune checkpoint regulators.
| Identifier | Targets | Therapeutics | Phase |
| NCT05041101 | Anti-inflammatory Drug + Microtubule Inhibitor | Grapiprant and Eribulin | |
| NCT03202316 | PD-L1 Antibody + Kinase Inhibitors + Microtubule Inhibitor | Atezolizumab + Cobimetinib + Eribulin | |
| NCT01036087 | Anti-EGFR Antibody + Mitotic Inhibitor + Cytostatics | Panitumumab + Nab-paclitaxel + Carboplatin | |
| NCT00105950 | Anti-HER Small Molecule | Lapatinib |
Our Services
Inflammatory breast cancer is a relatively rare disease but malignant. Multiple factors influence prognosis and therapy options. Therefore, Alfa Cytology is working on providing one-stop solutions for inflammatory breast cancer, including but not limited to the following.
IBC Therapy Development Platforms
Modeling Services for IBC
At Alfa Cytology, we recognize the critical importance of robust preclinical models in the development of effective therapies for IBC. Given the unique biological features and aggressive nature of this disease, we have established a comprehensive suite of in vitro and in vivo modeling services to support our drug discovery and translational research efforts.
| IBC Cell Lines | Animal Models of IBC |
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Case Study
A SUM149 IBC CDX Model for Evaluating the Efficacy of Combination Therapy With Drug A and Paclitaxel
- Model Introduction
The SUM149 CDX model is a critical preclinical tool for studying inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), particularly the aggressive subtype that is triple-negative and EGFR-overexpressed. This model recapitulates key molecular features of a clinically challenging IBC population and is extensively used for evaluating novel therapeutic agents.
- Model Information
- Model: SUM149 CDX Model
- Cancer Type: Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
- Host Mouse Strain: CB-17 Severe Combined Immunodeficient (SCID) Mice
- Age: 6-8 Weeks
- Cell Line Origin: Primary breast tumor from an IBC patient. (LUC).
- Molecular Profile: Basal-like; ER-negative, PgR-negative, HER2 non-amplified; EGFR overexpressed.
- Weight: 18-22 g
- Model Construction
The SUM149 CDX model was established by orthotopically injecting 3 × 106 cultured SUM149 cells directly into the mammary fat pads of CB-17 SCID mice. Tumor growth was monitored until volumes reached approximately 50 mm3, at which point mice were randomized into treatment groups to initiate the efficacy study.
- In Vivo Efficacy Evaluation
This case utilized the established SUM149 CDX model to systematically evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of the investigational drug A, both as a single agent and in combination with the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel.
- Effective Tumor Growth Inhibition: In the SUM149 CDX model, drug A monotherapy demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity. However, the combination of drug A with paclitaxel was substantially more effective, resulting in superior tumor growth suppression compared to either single agent alone (Fig. 2A, B).
- Mechanism validation (Ex Vivo): Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the target mechanism of action of this compound, namely, significant inhibition of phosphorylation of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 in resected tumors (Fig. 2C).
Fig. 2 Efficacy evaluation of drug A. (A)*p < 0.01 (vs. control), **p = 0.01 (vs. paclitaxel + Drug A); (B) *p < 0.05 (vs. control); **p < 0.01 compared to control.) (Source: Alfa Cytology)
Alfa Cytology is committed to the research and study of IBC, from molecular biology services, and cancer biomarker discovery services, to preclinical research services, providing one-stop services. Our cancer experts have many years of experience in the development of the latest therapies for IBC. If you are interested in our service, please contact us.
Reference
- Chainitikun S., Saleem S., and et al. Update on systemic treatment for newly diagnosed inflammatory breast cancer. J Adv Res. 2020, 29: 1-12.