Gene expression of Nectin‐4 and its clinical significance in dogs with primary lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background Canine primary lung adenocarcinoma (CPLA) is suspected by radiography or computed tomography; however, since there are no tumour markers, early diagnosis is difficult, and the prognosis is poor due to increased tumour volume. Nectin‐4 has been reported to be expressed in human lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers and promotes tumour growth. It has been reported to be a tumour marker and prognostic factor, and oncolytic virotherapy is being investigated using nectin‐4 as a therapeutic target. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of Nectin‐4 in CPLA and its clinical significance in dogs with pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Methods The relationships between Nectin‐4 expression and signalling, tumour volume, tumour weight, and prognosis were analyzed in 34 CPLA patients. Results The expression of canine Nectin‐4 (high Nectin‐4) was found in 25 of 34 cases (73%), and Nectin‐4 expression levels did not show any significant associations with gender, body weight, and tumour stage. However, there was a significant positive correlation between Nectin‐4 expression and tumour volume (r = 0.623, p < 0.05) and tumour weight (r = 0.735, p < 0.05). Regarding prognosis, the median survival time was 427 days in high Nectin‐4 cases and 420 days in cases with no Nectin‐4 expression. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that Nectin‐4 is highly expressed in CPLA. In addition, nectin‐4 might be a tumour growth factor in CPLA and thus is a promising biomarker for CPLA. Further investigations on nectin‐4 in CPLA are warranted for its diagnosis and novel targets for oncolytic virotherapy.