A statistical assessment of the biological relationship between simultaneous canine mammary tumours

Simultaneous canine mammary tumours (CMTs) are frequently reported in the literature, but few studies have addressed their biological relationship in detail or performed statistical assessments. In this study, 269 canine mammary gland tumours from 216 dogs were categorized using an extended histopathological classification, where semiquantitative and binomial scales enumerated morphological parameters of the tumours. The classification facilitated a statistical study of the biological relationship between simultaneous within‐dog tumours. Seventy‐seven percent of the dogs had single tumours and 23% had simultaneous tumours. Sixty‐one percent of the neoplasias were benign, with complex adenoma as the most frequent diagnosis and 39% were malignant, with complex carcinoma as the most common malignancy. Simultaneous tumours within dogs more often had equal diagnoses and neoplastic level (benign or malignant) than would be expected by chance alone, as compared with random pairs of single tumours from different dogs. This statistically supported finding indicated the presence of a biological relationship between simultaneous tumours.     

Kit receptor tyrosine kinase dysregulations in feline splenic mast cell tumours

This study investigated Kit receptor dysregulations (cytoplasmic immunohistochemical expression and/or c‐KIT mutations) in cats affected with splenic mast cell tumours. Twenty‐two cats were included. Median survival time was 780 days (range: 1–1219). An exclusive splenic involvement was significantly (P = 0.042) associated with longer survival (807 versus 120 days). Eighteen tumours (85.7%) showed Kit cytoplasmic expression (Kit pattern 2, 3). Mutation analysis was successful in 20 cases. Fourteen missense mutations were detected in 13 out of 20 tumours (65%). Eleven (78.6%) were located in exon 8, and three (21.6%) in exon 9. No mutations were detected in exons 11 and 17. Seven mutations corresponded to the same internal tandem duplication in exon 8 (c.1245_1256dup). Although the association between Kit cytoplasmic expression and mutations was significant, immunohistochemistry cannot be considered a surrogate marker for mutation analysis. No correlation was observed between c‐Kit mutations and tumour differentiation, mitotic activity or survival.     

S100A4 (metastasin) positive mesenchymal canine mammary tumour spheroids reduce Tenascin C synthesis under DMSO exposure in vitro

In breast cancer research S100A4‐positive tumour‐associated stromal cells are assumed as primary source of Tenascin C (TNC) in the metastatic environment. Aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize S100A4/TNC positive stromal canine mammary tumour (CMT) cells. Cells grown as scaffold‐free spheroids were investigated for S100A4, TNC, and proliferative activity under 1.8% DMSO stimulation by means of Western blot and immunohistochemistry. DMSO is a commonly used drug solvent despite well‐known side effects on cells including TNC expression. DMSO did not affect proliferation, but TNC was significantly reduced under DMSO exposure for 7 and 14 days, whereby for S100A4 a reducing effect was only observed after 14 days. Without DMSO, cells stably expressed TNC and S100A4 which makes them suitable to be used in experimental approaches requiring S100A4/TNC expressing CMT stromal cells. Results show that 1.8% DMSO should not be used as solvent for experiments concerning TNC/S100A4 expression.     

Preputial fibroma in a gelding

An 11‐year‐old gelding presented with a large mass located in the dermis of his preputium that surrounded the penis completely. This mass was first noted years ago but did not increase in size. Histological examination diagnosed a fibroma. No treatment was initiated since no signs of discomfort were noticed and the gelding was performing at a high level in competitive showjumping. Next to skin tumours, tumours of the penis and preputium are most common. Most frequently, squamous cell carcinomas and sarcomas are diagnosed. Although fibromas can develop anywhere in connective tissue, a preputial location of a fibroma in a gelding is rare. Differential diagnosis and possible treatment options are discussed.     

浅析蒋益兰教授辨治恶性肿瘤的学术观点

蒋益兰教授基于恶性肿瘤"虚、毒、瘀"互结的病因病机理论,从预防为主的治未病思想,临证辨治的整体观念和个体化治疗,病证结合,分期论治,衷中参西的论治观,提倡带瘤生存和以人为本的肿瘤辨治观,重视肿瘤病人的心理疏导等五个方面形成了诊疗恶性肿瘤的学术观点。     

Assessment of the tumorigenesis and drug susceptibility of three new canine mammary tumor cell lines

Three canine mammary tumor (CMT) cell lines, namely DE-E, DE-F and DE-SF, have been established from a surgically excised specimen of a malignant mammary tumor. These CMT cell lines have been cultured for over 200 passages. The cell doubling time was estimated to be approximately 30 h for all three cell lines. DE-E, DE-F and DE-SF were epithelial, fibroblast and spindle fibroblast in morphology, respectively. Under electron microscope, DE-F and DE-SF cells displayed a higher nucleus/cytoplasm ratio as compared with DE-E. Variation in chromosome number was also observed in the three cell lines. In addition to the morphological characteristics, these cell lines displayed differential patterns of several known mammary tumor cell markers. Following xenotransplantation of the CMT cells into nude mice, DE-F and DE-SF developed tumors within 2 weeks, whereas DE-E failed to develop any visible tumor up to 8 weeks after injection. Lastly, the CMT cell lines exhibited differential chemoresistance to several anti-tumor drugs, including melatonin, cyclosporine A, tamoxifen and indole, suggesting that these cell lines can be used as a comparative experimental model for the tumorigenesis of mammary carcinomas and a valuable tool for anti-cancer drug screening.     

Penile and preputial tumours in the horse: literature review and proposal of a standardised approach

Penile and preputial tumours are not uncommon in the horse, but can cause discomfort and lead to serious complications. Several types of tumour of the male external genitalia have been described. The most common type is the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is found mainly in older horses. Reports of a breed predilection for penile tumour formation are equivocal, but castration, coat colour, poor hygiene and various infectious agents have all been suggested to predispose to the development of some types of tumour (e.g. SCC, papilloma and melanoma). Careful assessment of the primary tumour is an important first step in the design of an optimal treatment protocol. Invasiveness, differentiation grade, tumour size and presence of metastases are all relevant to the decision to pursue additional diagnostic procedures or specific treatment options. To date, no standard protocol has been reported for the approach to penile tumours in the horse and treatments range from minimally invasive therapies (e.g. topical use of 5-fluorouracil) to radical surgical interventions (e.g. en bloc penile and preputial resection with penile retroversion). Completeness of removal of the neoplasm and therefore risk of recurrence is highly dependent on the type of therapy chosen. However, the size and histopathological features of the primary tumour are also important factors with respect to the likelihood of recurrence. This review describes the most common penile and preputial neoplasms in the horse, and outlines a standard protocol aimed at arriving at a specific diagnosis and tailoring the therapeutic approach accordingly.