DeCure's autonomous Cancer AI scientist is researching a drug-repurposing hypothesis for appendiceal neoplasm — screening already-approved drugs against its 1-gene Open Targets disease module to publish open-access research. Research is fast; the path to publication is funded in milestone stages.
Disease moduleAppendiceal neoplasm maps to a 1-gene Open Targets module — the target space DeCure's AI scientist screens approved drugs against.
DeCure.ai methodSignature reversal (LINCS) plus network proximity (STRING) rank already-approved drugs likely to perturb this module — the same engine that produces DeCure.ai's repurposing hypotheses.
Repurposing thesisScreening approved medicines against this disease module, then publishing the evidence for the strongest candidate. Known pharmacology and human exposure data make the first question sharper — they do not establish safety or efficacy in a new indication.
Research record
01
ResearchComing soon
Candidate research + dossier — target rationale, drug-repurposing thesis and evidence pack.proof: Published dossier + on-chain hash
02
ValidationComing soon
In-vitro biological validation at a contract research org (CRO).proof: CRO contract + in-vitro report
03
Peer review & paperComing soon
Peer-reviewed paper published open-access (preprint + journal).proof: DOI + open-access link + on-chain hash
Current lead
No approved-drug candidate for appendiceal neoplasm is corroborated in the literature DeepSearch retrieved. Some conditions are managed with non-pharmacological care — a device, surgery or physical therapy — rather than a medicine; that may be the case here, or the literature we found may simply be too sparse yet to support a drug-repurposing angle.
Molecular view
KRas proto-oncogene, GTPase (KRAS) — KRAS is one of the genes genetically linked to this disease in Open Targets — shown as context, not as a drug target we're pursuing: no approved-drug candidate for this disease is yet corroborated in the literature we found.
Loading structure…
helix sheet gnpdrag to rotate · scroll to zoom
RCSB Protein Data Bank · entry 7VVB · 1.7 Å · ligand PHOSPHOAMINOPHOSPHONIC ACID-GUANYLATE ESTER (GNP). Experimental structure, not a prediction.
What the evidence adds up to
Primary appendiceal neoplasms are rare, with a reported incidence of 0.12 cases per 1,000,000 people per year in one 2013 review, and a single-centre retrospective study from 2015–2020 found an incidence of 2.33% (65 out of 2,791 appendix specimens). In that retrospective study, neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) made up 53.85% of cases (35 patients), followed by low-grade mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) in 35.38% (23 patients), goblet cell carcinoid in 4.62% (three patients), mucinous cystadenoma in 3.08% (two patients), one adenocarcinoma (1.54%), and one metastasis (1.54%). A 2013 review reported a different distribution, stating that primary appendiceal malignancy is classified as adenocarcinoma in 67% of cases and carcinoid in 33%, with mucinous adenocarcinoma the most common adenocarcinoma subtype, diagnosed at a mean age of 60 years and an overall five-year survival rate of 55%.
Most patients present with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis, and the tumour is discovered incidentally on histopathology after appendectomy. In the 2015–2020 series, 70.77% of patients (46 out of 65) had emergency surgery, and only 7.69% (five patients) had an intra-operative suspicion of tumour. Ten patients required a second procedure: nine had a right hemicolectomy and one had cytoreductive surgery. A 2021 case report describes a 43-year-old patient with a giant 20 cm × 13 cm appendicular mucocele that was resected; the postoperative course was uneventful. An 86-year-old woman with mucinous adenocarcinoma underwent right hemicolectomy, which revealed spread to pericolonic adipose tissue.
Management depends on histological type, tumour size, and peritoneal involvement. For NETs larger than 2 cm, with base involvement, high-grade histology, or mesoappendix invasion deeper than 3 mm, right hemicolectomy is indicated. For non-metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma, staging right colectomy and adjuvant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (following colon cancer guidelines) is typical. Selected patients with metastatic disease are treated with surgical cytoreduction and intraperitoneal and/or systemic chemotherapy. The 2020 review notes that the World Health Organization classifies appendiceal neoplasms as benign or malignant, and that the mucinous variety’s management is influenced by peritoneal involvement. No randomised controlled trials comparing treatment strategies for appendiceal neoplasms are cited in these abstracts, and no data on repurposed drugs appear. What is missing are prospective trials, standardised patient stratification by histological subtype and peritoneal disease burden, and dedicated funding for a disease that remains rare and is often diagnosed only after emergency surgery.
Evidence
Retrieved by DeepSearch across 234,678,978 indexed works and resolved on OpenAlex — ranked by citations, including the results that did not work.
World Journal of Clinical Cases · 2021 · 8 citations · open access
Mucinous appendiceal neoplasm: A case report
AbstractBACKGROUND: Primary appendiceal tumors are histologically diverse and have an insidious onset and few specific clinical manifestations. In the majority of cases, these tumors are discovered after appendectomy during pathological exam of the resected tissue. Treatment may include appendectomy (simple or radical) and right hemicolectomy depending on factors such as histological type, tumor size and lymph node/organ involvement. The aim of this case study is to describe a rare case of a giant appendicular mucocele and raise awareness of this condition and its management options and follow-up protocol. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 43-year-old patient who presented to our emergency department with mild right lower quadrant pain. After the initial check-up and imaging exams, he underwent surgery, where a giant 20 cm × 13 cm appendicular tumor was found and resected. Appendicular mucocele was suspected due to the macroscopic appearance and was later confirmed by the pathological exam. The patient's postoperative evolution was uneventful, and after discharge, he was included in our follow-up program. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, mucinous appendiceal neoplasms embody a rare pathology; they are asymptomatic or have few, unspecific clinical signs and in many cases are discovered after appendectomy.
British journal of surgery · 2021 · 0 citations · open access
TP9.2.22A six year retrospective study of appendicular neoplasms and review of literature
AbstractAbstract Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of appendiceal neoplasm, identify possible association of pre and intra-operative factors associated with it, and to determine its clinical significance. Methods Using pathological reports from surgical specimens of appendix from January 2015 to September 2020, a single centre retrospective analysis was performed. Medical records of patients, pre-operative investigations, intra operative findings, histological reports and post operative management were evaluated. Results The incidence of appendiceal neoplasms was 2.33% (65/2791). They consisted of Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in 35(53.85%), followed by Low grade mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) in 23(35.38%), Goblet cell carcinoid in three (4.62%), mucinous cystadenoma 2(3.08%), one (1.54%) adenocarcinoma and one (1.54%) metastasis. Appendicitis was the most common indication for surgery. 46(70.77%) patients had emergency surgery. 89.13% emergency surgeries was appendicectomy, NET being the most common tumor in 60.87%. 19(29.23%) patients had elective surgery, all had pre operative radiological investigation, LAMN being most common. Only five (7.69%) patients had intra operative suspicion of tumor. Ten patients required second procedure in the form of right hemicolectomy in nine, and cytoreducetive surgery in one. All patients were followed up as per national guidelines. Conclusions The incidence of appendiceal neoplasms though low, has been steadily rising. Its diagnosis is rarely evident on pre operative radiological investigations. Surgeons should be aware of these neoplasms and its frequent association with emergency appendicectomies done for suspected acute appendicitis.
AbstractAppendiceal neoplasms are rare and are typically found in the setting of metastatic disease or, less commonly, as an incidental finding in an appendectomy specimen in cases of appendicitis or an unrelated condition. The World Health Organization classifies appendiceal neoplasms as benign or malignant. The management of the mucinous variety of appendiceal neoplasms is influenced by the presence of peritoneal involvement. Selected patients with metastatic appendiceal neoplasms are treated with surgical cytoreduction and intraperitoneal chemotherapy and/or systemic chemotherapy. Nonmetastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma is typically managed with staging right colectomy and adjuvant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy based on colon cancer guidelines. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) constitute 50 to 77% of all appendiceal neoplasms and 19% of all gastrointestinal NETs. Right hemicolectomy is indicated if the size of the NET is more than 2 cm, the base of the appendix is involved, it is a high-grade tumor, or the depth of invasion of the mesoappendix is more than 3 mm. This review contains 7 figures, 9 tables and 37 references Key Words: appendiceal adenocarcinoma, appendiceal adenoma, appendiceal neoplasm, diffuse peritoneal adenomucinosis, Goblet cell carcinoid of appendix, low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, mucocele of appendix, neuroendocrine tumor of appendix, peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA), pseudomyxoma peritonei
The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2013 · 0 citations
I Have What? Appendiceal Cancer
AbstractIntroduction: Primary appendiceal tumors are rare, with a reported incidence of 0.12 cases per 1,000,000 people each year. Patients commonly have a clinical presentation mimicking acute appendicitis. Upon histopathological review, primary appendiceal neoplasm is discovered at a rate of 0.9-2.3% of specimens. Primary appendiceal malignancy may be classified as either adenocarcinoma (67%) or carcinoid (33%). Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is further divided into mucinous, nonmucinous intestinal and signet ring cell type. Of these, mucinous adenocarcinoma is the most commonly reported subtype. It is diagnosed at a mean age of 60 years and has an overall five-year survival rate of 55% (1-2). Case presentation: We report the case of an 86-year-old Hispanic female who presented with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and leukocytosis. CT scan showed a multiloculated fluid collection in the right lower quadrant, and a necrotic mass involving the cecum. The working diagnosis was a perforated appendix, possibly with a periappendicular abscess. Our patient had an interval appendectomy performed with partial cecectomy. On histological review, she was found to have a primary appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. She underwent a right hemicolectomy,which revealed spreading of the mucinous adenocarcinoma to the pericolonic adipose tissue. Conclusion: Primary appendiceal malignancy is rare, and represents approximately 1% of all colorectal cancer diagnosed annually in the U.S. These tumors require aggressive treatment to prevent early nodal spread. Our patient underwent a right hemicolectomy, which is the standard of care. This case is unique because it describes one of the oldest patients reported with a primary appendiceal neoplasm, thus proving your patient is never too old to discover it.
Disease module: DeepOracle (Open Targets). Structures: RDKit from PubChem SMILES. Literature: retrieved by DeepSearch across 234,678,978 indexed works (targeted per-candidate search), resolved on OpenAlex.
DeCure is a research and publication project, not medical advice and not a treatment. "DeCure for X" describes a research goal, not a claim that a cure exists. Backing a cure is a contribution to fund the research — it is not an investment, and confers no yield, royalty, equity or IP ownership. Papers are published open-access by the DeCure.ai DAO.
