1
|
Pereira R, Gillespie S, Rapezzano G, Withers J, Duz M, Foote A. Extensive intraocular melanoma with secondary glaucoma in a 15-month-old Thoroughbred filly. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1471. [PMID: 38739097 PMCID: PMC11090147 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A 15-month-old, grey, Thoroughbred filly presented for investigation of a 6-week history of corneal oedema and blepharospasm on the right eye (OD). The filly was otherwise healthy. Following ophthalmic examination, glaucoma on the OD was diagnosed. A space occupying mass within the anterior chamber was documented on transpalpebral ultrasonographic examination. This mass obliterated most of the anterior intraocular structures on the peripheral nasal side (corneal endothelium and drainage angle), leading to secondary glaucoma. After systemic and topical treatment addressing secondary glaucoma, the corneal oedema reduced. The mass was visualised as an irregularly rounded brown structure associated with the iris on the peripheral nasal side of the anterior chamber. Given the filly's signalment, location and appearance of the mass, a tentative diagnosis of intraocular melanoma was made and enucleation was performed. Histopathological evaluation of the globe revealed solid sheets of heavily pigmented melanocytic cells, disrupting the normal ciliary body architecture and extending into the iris and subretinal. The cells were pleomorphic, polyhedral to round with occasional spindle-shaped cells, and contained moderate to large amounts of granular black-brown pigment (melanin). The iridal component expanded into the anterior chamber, with cells directly opposed to Descemet's membrane, with loss of the endothelium and expanding and occluding the filtration angle in this area. The lesion infiltrated locally into the edge of the sclera, but did not extend through the sclera, though occasional perivascular clusters of melanophages were observed within the scleral stroma adjacent to the optic nerve. Diagnosis of a uveal melanocytic neoplasm was confirmed, with characteristics similar to only one reported case . This is a unique case of a rapidly growing, invasive, uveal melanoma in a young horse. Intraocular melanoma should be considered as a differential diagnoses for glaucoma in grey horses, regardless of the age and absence of melanocytic skin lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marco Duz
- School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of NottinghamSutton BoningtonUK
| | - Alastair Foote
- Department of Rossdales LaboratoriesRossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnositc CentreNewmarketUK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pimenta J, Prada J, Pires I, Cotovio M. Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Immunohistochemical Expression in Equine Melanocytic Tumors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:48. [PMID: 38200779 PMCID: PMC10778310 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently available treatments for equine melanocytic tumors have limitations, mainly due to mass localization and dimension, or the presence of metastases. Therefore, a search for new therapies is necessary. Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed by several tumors, blocking T cell-mediated elimination of the tumor cells by binding to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). A novel therapeutic approach using PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in human melanoma resulted in tumor regression and prolonged tumor-free survival. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in equine melanocytic tumors. A total of 77 melanocytic tumors were classified as benign or malignant and evaluated by extension of labeling. A total of 59.7% of the tumors showed >50% of immunolabeled cells. Regarding malignant tumors, 24/38 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 13 tumors presented between 25-50% and one tumor presented <10%. Regarding benign tumors, 22/39 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, nine tumors presented 25-50%, three tumors presented 10-25%, two tumors presented <10% and three tumors did not present expression. Our results suggest that PD-L1 blockade may be a potential target for immunotherapy in equine melanocytic tumors and that future clinical research trials into the clinical efficacy of the anti-PD-L1 antibody are necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Pimenta
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Cotovio
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (J.P.); (I.P.); (M.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pimenta J, Pires I, Prada J, Cotovio M. E-Cadherin Immunostaining in Equine Melanocytic Tumors. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2216. [PMID: 37444014 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanocytic tumors are an important neoplastic disease in human and veterinary medicine, presenting large differences regarding tumor behavior between species. In horses, these tumors present a prolonged benign behavior, with rare invasiveness and metastases. In humans and small animals, invasion and metastasis have been associated with an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, where the loss of E-cadherin expression plays a key role in tumor progression. This process and the role of E-cadherin have not yet been evaluated in equine melanocytic tumors. This study aimed to assess the immunolabeling of E-cadherin in equine melanocytic tumors and relate this with clinicopathological variables. A total of 72 equine melanocytic tumors were classified as benign and malignant and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin expression. A different pattern of immunostaining was found, contrasting with other species. A total of 69.4% of tumors presented raised immunolabeling of E-cadherin, with 70.7% of melanomas remaining with high expression. The typical loss of immunostaining was not seen in malignant melanomas and no differences were found between benign and malignant melanomas regarding E-cadherin immunostaining. The high immunolabeling of E-cadherin may contribute to the low invasiveness of these tumors, and it is in accordance with the benign behavior of equine melanoma and with the genetic factors associated with its development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Pimenta
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Cotovio
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV-Veterinary and Animal Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Equine Melanocytic Tumors: A Narrative Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020247. [PMID: 36670786 PMCID: PMC9855132 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult grey horses have a high incidence of melanocytic tumors. This article narratively reviews the role of some genetic features related to melanoma formation in horses, such as STX17 mutation, ASIP or MITF alterations, and the link between the graying process and the development of these tumors. A clear system of clinical and pathological classification of melanocytic tumors in naevus, dermal melanoma, dermal melanomatosis and anaplastic malignant melanoma is provided. Clinical and laboratorial methods of diagnosing are listed, with fine needle aspiration and histopathology being the most relevant. Relevance is given to immunohistochemistry, describing potentially important diagnostic biomarkers such as RACK1 and PNL2. Different therapeutical options available for equine practitioners are mentioned, with surgery, chemotherapy and electroporation being the most common. This article also elucidatesnew fields of research, perspectives, and new therapeutic targets, such as CD47, PD-1 and COX-2 biomarkers.
Collapse
|
5
|
Malalana F. Corneal neoplasia in horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Malalana
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Neston UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Weber LA, Meißner J, Delarocque J, Kalbitz J, Feige K, Kietzmann M, Michaelis A, Paschke R, Michael J, Pratscher B, Cavalleri JMV. Betulinic acid shows anticancer activity against equine melanoma cells and permeates isolated equine skin in vitro. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:44. [PMID: 32024502 PMCID: PMC7003431 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2262-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine malignant melanoma (EMM) is a frequently occurring dermoepidermal tumor in grey horses. Currently available therapies are either challenging or inefficient. Betulinic acid (BA), a naturally occurring triterpenoid, is a promising compound for cancer treatment. To evaluate the potential of BA as a topical therapy for EMM, its anticancer effects on primary equine melanoma cells and dermal fibroblasts and its percutaneous permeation through isolated equine skin were assessed in vitro. RESULTS BA showed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on both primary equine melanoma cells and fibroblasts in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentrations were obtained 96 h after the beginning of drug exposure (12.7 μmol/L and 23.6 μmol/L for melanoma cells eRGO1 and MelDuWi, respectively, in cytotoxicity assay). High concentrations of the compound were reached in the required skin layers in vitro. CONCLUSION BA is a promising substance for topical EMM treatment. Further clinical studies in horses are necessary to assess safety and antitumoral effects in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Weber
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jessica Meißner
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Julien Delarocque
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jutta Kalbitz
- Biosolutions Halle GmbH, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manfred Kietzmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anne Michaelis
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Reinhard Paschke
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julia Michael
- Skinomics GmbH, Weinbergweg 23, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Pratscher
- University Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- University Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jessika-M V Cavalleri
- University Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Affiliation(s)
- K. Myrna
- Small Animal Medicine and Surgery University of Georgia Athens USA
| | - C. Sheridan
- Department of Ophthalmology Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine Baton Rouge USA
| |
Collapse
|