1
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Urlings P, Gramer I, Jones C, Dirrig H. Computed tomographic features of canine prostatic carcinoma. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2024; 65:447-455. [PMID: 38687009 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13375] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine prostatic carcinoma (PC) has incompletely defined CT features. The purpose of this multicenter retrospective case series was to assess prostatic, regional, and distant findings of PC. Thirty dogs were enrolled. Consistent prostatic features included postcontrast heterogeneity with hypoattenuating, nonenhancing areas (30/30), capsular distortion (29/30), prostatic urethral effacement, displacement, or invasion (28/30), precontrast heterogeneity (27/30), and mineralization (24/30) which was always within or at the margin of the hypoattenuating areas. Consistent extraprostatic features included medial iliac lymph node enlargement (20/30), internal iliac lymph node enlargement (15/30), and periprostatic fat streaking or fluid (15/29). In a minority of dogs, there was lymph node mineralization, bladder trigone invasion, ureteral dilation, ductus deferens invasion, and bony changes consistent with hypertrophic osteopathy. Strongly suspected and potential bony metastases were noted infrequently (8/26), all in vertebrae regional to the prostate. In conclusion, these findings provide guidance on the expected CT features of canine PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Urlings
- Southpaws Specialty, Emergency and Referral Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- The Animal Hospital, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Irina Gramer
- Southpaws Specialty, Emergency and Referral Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Coleen Jones
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Helen Dirrig
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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2
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Sakai K, Kato D, Yoshinaka J, Takahashi Y, Ikeda N, Aoki S, Iguchi T, Ishikawa S, Yamagishi N, Shimamura S, Nakagawa T. Effects of trastuzumab emtansine on canine urothelial carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Vet Comp Oncol 2024; 22:230-238. [PMID: 38502572 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract in dogs and has aggressive behaviour. Although human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a known therapeutic target with evidence in canine UC, the efficacy of anti-HER2 antibody drugs remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of anti-HER2 antibody drugs including trastuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) on canine UC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Four canine UC cell lines (Nene, TCCUB, Love, and Sora) were used. In western blotting, HER2 protein expression was observed in all the cell lines. Although both trastuzumab and T-DM1 showed dose-dependent growth inhibitory activity in the cell lines, T-DM1 showed much stronger activity than that of trastuzumab. In flow cytometry analyses with the canine UC cell line (Sora), T-DM1 but not trastuzumab significantly increased the percentages of early and late apoptotic cells in annexin V apoptotic assays and the sub-G1 phase fraction in cell cycle analyses. For the in vivo experiment, the canine UC cells (Sora) were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. Four days after inoculation, trastuzumab, T-DM1, or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally once a week for three times. Tumour volumes were significantly smaller in the T-DM1 group compared to the trastuzumab and vehicle control groups. These findings indicate that T-DM1 exerts a stronger antitumour effect than that of trastuzumab on canine UC cells in vitro and in vivo, possibly by inducing apoptosis due to DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Sakai
- Laboratory of Small Animal Clinical Medicine, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daiki Kato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junka Yoshinaka
- Laboratory of Small Animal Clinical Medicine, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yosuke Takahashi
- Veterinary Medical Centre, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Namiko Ikeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susumu Aoki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaaki Iguchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Large Animal Clinical Medicine, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norio Yamagishi
- Laboratory of Large Animal Clinical Medicine, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Shimamura
- Laboratory of Small Animal Clinical Medicine, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Engbersen DJM, van Beijnum JR, Roos A, van Beelen M, de Haan JD, Grinwis GCM, Schalken JA, Witjes JA, Griffioen AW, Huijbers EJM. Vaccination against Extracellular Vimentin for Treatment of Urothelial Cancer of the Bladder in Client-Owned Dogs. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3958. [PMID: 37568772 PMCID: PMC10417384 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
It was recently shown that targeting extracellular vimentin (eVim) is safe and effective in preclinical models. Here, we report the safety and efficacy in client-owned dogs with spontaneous bladder cancer of CVx1, an iBoost technology-based vaccine targeting eVim in combination with COX-2 inhibition. This was a single-arm prospective phase 1/2 study with CVx1 in 20 client-owned dogs with spontaneous UC which involved four subcutaneous vaccinations with CVx1 at 2-week intervals for induction of antibody titers, followed by maintenance vaccinations at 2-month intervals. Additionally, daily cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition with meloxicam was given. The response was assessed by antibody titers, physical condition, abdominal ultrasound and thorax X-ray. The primary endpoints were the development of antibody titers, as well as overall survival compared to a historical control group receiving carboplatin and COX-2 inhibition with piroxicam. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. All dogs developed antibodies against eVim. Titers were adequately maintained for the duration of this study. A median overall survival of 374 days was observed, which was 196 days for the historical control group (p < 0.01). Short-term grade 1-2 toxicity at the injection site and some related systemic symptoms peri-vaccination were observed. No toxicity was observed related to the induced antibody response. A limitation of this study is the single-arm prospective setting. CVx1 plus meloxicam consistently induced efficient antibody titers, was well tolerated and showed prolonged survival. The results obtained merit further development for human clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judy R. van Beijnum
- CimCure BV, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.J.M.E.); (J.R.v.B.); (E.J.M.H.)
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Arno Roos
- Veterinary Referral Center Korte Akkeren, 2802 LA Gouda, The Netherlands; (A.R.); (M.v.B.)
| | - Marit van Beelen
- Veterinary Referral Center Korte Akkeren, 2802 LA Gouda, The Netherlands; (A.R.); (M.v.B.)
| | - Jan David de Haan
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Guy C. M. Grinwis
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Jack A. Schalken
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (J.A.S.); (J.A.W.)
| | - J. Alfred Witjes
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (J.A.S.); (J.A.W.)
| | - Arjan W. Griffioen
- CimCure BV, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.J.M.E.); (J.R.v.B.); (E.J.M.H.)
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Elisabeth J. M. Huijbers
- CimCure BV, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.J.M.E.); (J.R.v.B.); (E.J.M.H.)
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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4
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Ghisoni G, Foglia A, Sabattini S, Agnoli C, Dondi F, Perfetti S, Marconato L. A Retrospective Clinico-Pathologic Study of 35 Dogs with Urethral Transitional Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2395. [PMID: 37508172 PMCID: PMC10376480 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy and cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COXi) are primary treatments for canine urethral transitional cell carcinoma (uTCC), a tumor known for its aggressiveness and poor prognosis. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinico-pathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and prognostic factors of 35 dogs with confirmed uTCC that received chemotherapy and COXi. Upon admission, urethral obstruction (UO) and urinary tract infection (UTI) were observed in seven (20%) dogs each. Gemcitabine (n = 20; 57.1%) and vinblastine (n = 10; 28.6%) were commonly used as first-line therapies, with four dogs also receiving radiation therapy. Based on RECIST, one (2.9%) dog achieved complete remission, nine (25.7%) partial remission, 20 (57.14%) showed stable disease, and five (14.3%) progressed. Among dogs with UO, six (85.7%) showed resolution or improvement after the first chemotherapy dose. The median time to local progression was 171 days (range: 107-235), and the median survival time was 333 days (range: 158-508). Dogs with UO upon admission had a higher risk of local progression, while both UO and UTI were associated with an increased risk of overall disease progression and tumor-related death. Additionally, gemcitabine significantly improved metastatic control. This study identified UO and UTI as negative prognostic factors, highlighting the importance of a multimodal approach in managing uTCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ghisoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Armando Foglia
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabattini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Chiara Agnoli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Simone Perfetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Laura Marconato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
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5
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Rasteiro AM, Sá e Lemos E, Oliveira PA, Gil da Costa RM. Molecular Markers in Urinary Bladder Cancer: Applications for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030107. [PMID: 35324835 PMCID: PMC8950778 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer of the urinary bladder is a neoplasm with considerable importance in veterinary medicine, given its high incidence in several domestic animal species and its life-threatening character. Bladder cancer in companion animals shows a complex and still poorly understood biopathology, and this lack of knowledge has limited therapeutic progress over the years. Even so, important advances concerning the identification of tumour markers with clinical applications at the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic levels have recently been made, for example, the identification of pathological BRAF mutations. Those advances are now facilitating the introduction of targeted therapies. The present review will address such advances, focusing on small animal oncology and providing the reader with an update on this field. When appropriate, comparisons will be drawn with bladder cancer in human patients, as well as with experimental models of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mafalda Rasteiro
- CEDIVET, Laboratório Clínico Veterinário, 4200-071 Porto, Portugal; (A.M.R.); (E.S.e.L.)
- Garden Veterinary Group, Chippenham SN15 1NQ, UK
| | - Eva Sá e Lemos
- CEDIVET, Laboratório Clínico Veterinário, 4200-071 Porto, Portugal; (A.M.R.); (E.S.e.L.)
| | - Paula A. Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Rui M. Gil da Costa
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto. CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Postgraduate Programme in Adult Health (PPGSAD), Department of Morphology, University Hospital (HUUFMA), Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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6
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Butler T, Schiavo L, Hughes K, Dobson J, Giuliano A. Urothelial cell carcinoma with widespread local and distant metastasis and associated osseous metaplasia in a dog. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Butler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Luca Schiavo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Katherine Hughes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Jane Dobson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
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7
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Do Canine Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Resemble Human Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours? A Comparative Morphological and Immunohistochemical Investigation. J Comp Pathol 2020; 181:73-85. [PMID: 33288156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although canine pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) have been proposed as a model for the counterpart human neoplasms, the type or grade of human PanNEN that they resemble is unclear. PanNENs in animals are classified as adenoma or carcinoma, whereas in humans they are classified as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PanNET) if well-differentiated, or as pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PanNEC) if poorly differentiated. We evaluated 16 canine primary PanNENs and two metastases histologically and immunohistochemically, and graded them using the animal and human grading systems. All neoplasms had local or vascular invasion and were classified as pancreatic islet cell carcinomas according to the current WHO classification. The Ki-67 index was low in all cases (0.01-1.50%). All had cytoplasmic expression of synaptophysin and insulin but were immunonegative for glucagon, confirming a functional diagnosis of canine insulinoma. Membranous expression of SSTR2A and nuclear expression of ATRX, but no p53 expression, was found in all neoplasms. One primary tumour was diagnosed as a mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm, which is the first report of this neoplasm in dogs. The other 15 primary tumours and both metastatic tumours were graded as PanNET G1, according to the human WHO classification. We conclude that canine PanNENs share well-differentiated histomorphology, SSTR2A expression and absence of nuclear p53 immunolabelling with human PanNETs G1. However, they differ in ATRX gene expression and functionality, and seem to have a worse prognosis than human PanNETs G1, although their generally low Ki-67 index precludes more precise assessment of prognosis. Membranous SSTR2A expression renders canine PanNENs potentially amenable to treatment with somatostatin analogues or SSTR targeted in-vivo imaging methods.
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8
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Malfassi L, Fidanzio F, Sala M, Marcarini S, Mazza G, Carrara N, Pavesi S, Gnudi G, Urso G, Dolera M. A combined protocol with piroxicam, chemotherapy, and whole pelvic irradiation with simultaneous boost volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for muscle-invasive canine urinary transitional cell carcinoma: First clinical experience. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 83:695-704. [PMID: 32963177 PMCID: PMC8111339 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.19-0662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of high-dose hypofractionated volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) applied to whole pelvic region radiotherapy (WPRT) with multilevel simultaneous integrated boost (MLSIB) combined with piroxicam and chemotherapy for the treatment of canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the lower urinary tract with muscle invasion TCC. Twelve dogs were enrolled, according to stage, in two groups: group 1, TCC confined to the urinary tract; group 2, TCC with metastasis. The planning target volume dose was tailored from 36 to 42 Gy in 6 fractions. All dogs were prescribed piroxicam and radiosensitizing carboplatin, and six received chemotherapy after radiotherapy. Serial follow-ups with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Disease control and toxicity effects were evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and Veterinary Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. The treatment was well tolerated, and no high-grade side effects were reported. The median overall survival times for groups 1 and 2 were 1,230 and 150 days, respectively. A considerable percentage of patients in group1 (50%) were still alive at the time of writing this paper, and a longer follow-up could enable a more accurate survival analysis. This preliminary analysis shows that VMAT applied to the WPRT with MLSIB is an effective and safe option for dogs with lower urinary TCC, although the presence of metastases worsens the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Malfassi
- "La Cittadina" Foundation for Veterinary Studies and Research, Road to the "La cittadina", 26014, Romanengo (Cr), Italy
| | - Francesca Fidanzio
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Parma, Taglio 8 road, 43100, Parma, Italy
| | - Massimo Sala
- "La Cittadina" Foundation for Veterinary Studies and Research, Road to the "La cittadina", 26014, Romanengo (Cr), Italy
| | - Silvia Marcarini
- "La Cittadina" Foundation for Veterinary Studies and Research, Road to the "La cittadina", 26014, Romanengo (Cr), Italy
| | - Giovanni Mazza
- "La Cittadina" Foundation for Veterinary Studies and Research, Road to the "La cittadina", 26014, Romanengo (Cr), Italy
| | - Nancy Carrara
- "La Cittadina" Foundation for Veterinary Studies and Research, Road to the "La cittadina", 26014, Romanengo (Cr), Italy
| | - Simone Pavesi
- "La Cittadina" Foundation for Veterinary Studies and Research, Road to the "La cittadina", 26014, Romanengo (Cr), Italy
| | - Giacomo Gnudi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Parma, Taglio 8 road, 43100, Parma, Italy
| | - Gaetano Urso
- Medical Physics Department, Local Health Authority of Lodi, A. Fleming 1 road, 26841, Casalpusterlengo (Lo), Italy
| | - Mario Dolera
- "La Cittadina" Foundation for Veterinary Studies and Research, Road to the "La cittadina", 26014, Romanengo (Cr), Italy
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9
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Knapp DW, Dhawan D, Ramos-Vara JA, Ratliff TL, Cresswell GM, Utturkar S, Sommer BC, Fulkerson CM, Hahn NM. Naturally-Occurring Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma in Dogs, a Unique Model to Drive Advances in Managing Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in Humans. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1493. [PMID: 32039002 PMCID: PMC6985458 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a great need to improve the outlook for people facing urinary bladder cancer, especially for patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma (InvUC) which is lethal in 50% of cases. Improved outcomes for patients with InvUC could come from advances on several fronts including emerging immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and new drug combinations; selection of patients most likely to respond to a given treatment based on molecular subtypes, immune signatures, and other characteristics; and prevention, early detection, and early intervention. Progress on all of these fronts will require clinically relevant animal models for translational research. The animal model(s) should possess key features that drive success or failure of cancer drugs in humans including tumor heterogeneity, genetic-epigenetic crosstalk, immune cell responsiveness, invasive and metastatic behavior, and molecular subtypes (e.g., luminal, basal). Experimental animal models, while essential in bladder cancer research, do not possess these collective features to accurately predict outcomes in humans. These key features, however, are present in naturally-occurring InvUC in pet dogs. Canine InvUC closely mimics muscle-invasive bladder cancer in humans in cellular and molecular features, molecular subtypes, immune response patterns, biological behavior (sites and frequency of metastasis), and response to therapy. Thus, dogs can offer a highly relevant animal model to complement other models in research for new therapies for bladder cancer. Clinical treatment trials in pet dogs with InvUC are considered a win-win-win scenario; the individual dog benefits from effective treatment, the results are expected to help other dogs, and the findings are expected to translate to better treatment outcomes in humans. In addition, the high breed-associated risk for InvUC in dogs (e.g., 20-fold increased risk in Scottish Terriers) offers an unparalleled opportunity to test new strategies in primary prevention, early detection, and early intervention. This review will provide an overview of canine InvUC, summarize the similarities (and differences) between canine and human InvUC, and provide evidence for the expanding value of this canine model in bladder cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah W Knapp
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Deepika Dhawan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - José A Ramos-Vara
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Timothy L Ratliff
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Gregory M Cresswell
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sagar Utturkar
- Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Breann C Sommer
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Christopher M Fulkerson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Noah M Hahn
- Department of Oncology and Urology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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