Prognostic Evaluation of Feline Mammary Carcinomas

Abstract

A large number of studies have investigated feline mammary tumors in an attempt to identify prognostic markers and generate comparative analyses with human breast cancer. Nevertheless, a retrospective base of assessments and the lack of standardization in methodology and study design have caused weakness in study results, making comparison difficult. We examined feline mammary tumor publications and evaluated postulated prognostic parameters according to the recently published ''Recommended Guidelines for the Conduct and Evaluation of Prognostic Studies in Veterinary Oncology.'' Using these criteria, we determined with statistically significant reliability that prognostic parameters for feline mammary tumors are tumor grading and lymph node/lymphovascular invasion. Furthermore, tumor subtype, size, and staging are worthy of further standardized investigation. We present statistical significance for each studied parameter as well as its relevance to disease progression and survival. Our evaluation suggests that marker expression (ie, Ki67, HER2, ER) may provide relevant information applicable for therapeutic predictions; however, consensus efforts and protocol standardization are needed. We identify and discuss major points of concern-such as sample preservation and selection, standardization of immunohistochemical protocols, and evaluation of results-to provide support for subsequent reliable analyses.

Acute phase proteins and biomarkers of oxidative status in feline spontaneous malignant mammary tumours

“…Tumour proliferative activity and histological grade have been described as important prognostic factors of canine and feline malignant mammary tumours . In our study, significant changes in concentrations of APP and antioxidants were detected in queens with malignant mammary tumours according with the proliferative activity (assessed by determination of mitotic counts) and the histological grade, showing that these features also influence the inflammatory and the antioxidant responses of feline mammary cancer.…”

“…Tumour size, mainly if determined by tumour diameter, is considered as one of the most important prognostic factors of feline malignant mammary tumours . In our study, size of tumour was related to the concentrations of APP, contrarily to what is described in dogs, with exception of increased C‐reactive protein (CRP) in female dogs with tumours bigger than 5 cm .…”

“…Inflammation and oxidative damage have been associated with several tumours in humans and animals . Furthermore, development of an APP response and of oxidative stress were previously described in human breast cancer and in canine mammary tumours .…”

TiHo-0906: a new feline mammary cancer cell line with molecular, morphological, and immunocytological characteristics of epithelial to mesenchymal transition

“…The feline mammary tissue encompasses three tissue lineages, the luminal epithelial, the myoepithelial, and the mesenchymal 2 . Around 90% of feline mammary neoplasms are luminal epithelial tumours usually referred to as FMCs 2,3 . FMCs are invasive tumours characterized by early metastasis 3,4 .…”

“…Around 90% of feline mammary neoplasms are luminal epithelial tumours usually referred to as FMCs 2,3 . FMCs are invasive tumours characterized by early metastasis 3,4 . FMCs with anaplastic and malignant spindle cells are uncommon, and their distinctive morphologic features are not described in any of the subtypes included in the latest classification published by the World Health Organization (WHO) 2 .…”