In vitro comparative models for canine and human breast cancers

Abstract

During the past four decades, an increased number of similarities between canine mammary tumors and human breast cancer have been reported: molecular, histological, morphological, clinical and epidemiological, which lead to comparative oncological studies. One of the most important goals in human and veterinary oncology is to discover potential molecular biomarkers that could detect breast cancer in an early stage and to develop new effective therapies. Recently, cancer cell lines have successfully been used as an in vitro model to study the biology of cancer, to investigate molecular pathways and to test the efficiency of anticancer drugs. Moreover, establishment of an experimental animal model for the study of human breast cancer will improve testing potential anti-cancer therapies and the discovery of effective therapeutic schemes suitable for human clinical trials.In this review, we collected data from previous studies that strengthen the value of canine mammary cancer cell lines as an in vitro model for the study of human breast cancer.

A monograph proposing the use of canine mammary tumours as a model for the study of hereditary breast cancer susceptibility genes in humans

“…CMTs represent very practical models for human BCs since they share clinical, molecular, histological and epidemiological characteristics (Rivera & von Euler 2011;Visan et al 2016). For instance in both species, females are primarily affected, but some male cases have been reported.…”

“…For example, unlike in humans, it is common for CMTs to occur at multiple sites in an affected dog with varying histology within and between the different tumours. Plus, certain histological characteristics, such as myoepithelial cell proliferation, occur more often in CMTs than human BC (Visan et al 2016). It is important to note that all animal models of disease present differences from the human condition, but, overall, the spontaneous and heterogeneous nature of CMTs best mimic human BC risk and development making the domestic dog a valuable genetic model of human BC.…”

Expression of the Hippo signalling effectors YAP and TAZ in canine mammary gland hyperplasia and malignant transformation of mammary tumours

“…CMTs are heterogeneous neoplasms that share several characteristics with human breast cancer. From the clinical standpoint, both CMTs and breast cancer are hormonally dependent, occur at the same stage of life and follow very similar courses . Molecular similarities between the two diseases have also been described.…”

“…Molecular similarities between the two diseases have also been described. Among these are mutations to TP53 and overexpression of genes associated with oncogenesis such as oestrogen and progesterone receptors, epidermal growth factor and its receptor, metalloproteinases and PTGS2 to name a few …”

“…From the clinical standpoint, both CMTs and breast cancer are hormonally dependent, occur at the same stage of life and follow very similar courses. 4 Molecular similarities between the two diseases have also been described. Among these are mutations to TP53 and overexpression of genes associated with oncogenesis such as oestrogen and progesterone receptors, epidermal growth factor and its receptor, metalloproteinases and PTGS2 to name a few.…”