1
|
Aupperle-Lellbach H, Kehl A, de Brot S, van der Weyden L. Clinical Use of Molecular Biomarkers in Canine and Feline Oncology: Current and Future. Vet Sci 2024; 11:199. [PMID: 38787171 PMCID: PMC11126050 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050199] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular biomarkers are central to personalised medicine for human cancer patients. It is gaining traction as part of standard veterinary clinical practice for dogs and cats with cancer. Molecular biomarkers can be somatic or germline genomic alterations and can be ascertained from tissues or body fluids using various techniques. This review discusses how these genomic alterations can be determined and the findings used in clinical settings as diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and screening biomarkers. We showcase the somatic and germline genomic alterations currently available to date for testing dogs and cats in a clinical setting, discussing their utility in each biomarker class. We also look at some emerging molecular biomarkers that are promising for clinical use. Finally, we discuss the hurdles that need to be overcome in going 'bench to bedside', i.e., the translation from discovery of genomic alterations to adoption by veterinary clinicians. As we understand more of the genomics underlying canine and feline tumours, molecular biomarkers will undoubtedly become a mainstay in delivering precision veterinary care to dogs and cats with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heike Aupperle-Lellbach
- Laboklin GmbH&Co.KG, Steubenstr. 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (H.A.-L.); (A.K.)
- School of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 18, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kehl
- Laboklin GmbH&Co.KG, Steubenstr. 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (H.A.-L.); (A.K.)
- School of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 18, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Simone de Brot
- Institute of Animal Pathology, COMPATH, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smedley RC, Bongiovanni L, Bacmeister C, Clifford CA, Christensen N, Dreyfus JM, Gary JM, Pavuk A, Rowland PH, Swanson C, Tripp C, Woods JP, Bergman PJ. Diagnosis and histopathologic prognostication of canine melanocytic neoplasms: A consensus of the Oncology-Pathology Working Group. Vet Comp Oncol 2022; 20:739-751. [PMID: 35522017 PMCID: PMC9796073 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
One of the primary objectives of the Oncology Pathology Working Group (OPWG) is for oncologists and pathologists to collaboratively generate consensus documents to standardize aspects of and provide guidelines for veterinary oncologic pathology. Consensus is established through review of relevant peer-reviewed literature relative to a subgroup's particular focus. In this article, the authors provide a critical review of the current literature for the diagnosis of, and histopathologic prognostication for, canine cutaneous and oral/lip melanocytic neoplasms, suggest guidelines for reporting, provide recommendations for clinical interpretation, and discuss future directions. This document represents the opinions of the working group and the authors and does not constitute a formal endorsement by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine or the Veterinary Cancer Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Smedley
- Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryMichigan State UniversityLansingMichiganUSA
| | - Laura Bongiovanni
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TeramoTeramoItaly,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomolecular SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Craig A. Clifford
- Oncology ServiceHope Veterinary Specialists/BluePearlMalvernPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Neil Christensen
- Oncology ServiceVeterinary Specialty Hospital Hong KongWan ChaiHong Kong,Veterinary Medical Teaching HospitalUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Jennifer M. Dreyfus
- Anatomic PathologyDreyfus Veterinary Pathology ConsultingMadisonWisconsinUSA,School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of WisconsinMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Joy M. Gary
- NeuropathologyStageBioFrederickMarylandUSA,Comparative Biomedical Training Program, Molecular Pathology UnitNCI, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Alana Pavuk
- Anatomic PathologyAntech DiagnosticsDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Christine Swanson
- Oncology ServiceBluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet HospitalGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Chelsea Tripp
- Oncology ServiceBridge Animal Referral CenterEdmondsWashingtonUSA
| | - J. Paul Woods
- Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary CollegeUniversity of GuelphGuelphOntarioCanada
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Conrad D, Kehl A, Beitzinger C, Metzler T, Steiger K, Pfarr N, Fischer K, Klopfleisch R, Aupperle-Lellbach H. Molecular Genetic Investigation of Digital Melanoma in Dogs. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020056. [PMID: 35202309 PMCID: PMC8874500 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine digital melanoma, in contrast to canine oral melanoma, is still largely unexplored at the molecular genetic level. The aim of this study was to detect mutant genes in digital melanoma. Paraffin-embedded samples from 86 canine digital melanomas were examined for the BRAF V595E variant by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and for exon 11 mutations in c-kit. Furthermore, exons 2 and 3 of KRAS and NRAS were analysed by Sanger sequencing. Copy number variations (CNV) of KITLG in genomic DNA were analysed from nine dogs. The BRAF V595E variant was absent and in c-kit, a single nucleotide polymorphism was found in 16/70 tumours (23%). The number of copies of KITLG varied between 4 and 6. KRAS exon 2 codons 12 and 13 were mutated in 22/86 (25.6%) of the melanomas examined. Other mutually exclusive RAS mutations were found within the hotspot loci, i.e., KRAS exon 3 codon 61: 2/55 (3.6%); NRAS exon 2 codons 12 and 13: 2/83 (2.4%); and NRAS exon 3 codon 61: 9/86 (10.5%). However, no correlation could be established between histological malignancy criteria, survival times and the presence of RAS mutations. In summary, canine digital melanoma differs from molecular genetic data of canine oral melanoma and human melanoma, especially regarding the proportion of RAS mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Conrad
- Department of Pathology, LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandra Kehl
- Department of Molecular Biology, LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (A.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Christoph Beitzinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany; (A.K.); (C.B.)
| | - Thomas Metzler
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, 81675 München, Germany; (T.M.); (K.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, 81675 München, Germany; (T.M.); (K.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Nicole Pfarr
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, 81675 München, Germany; (T.M.); (K.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Konrad Fischer
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Department of Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany;
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
A Comparative View on Molecular Alterations and Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Canine Oral Melanoma. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8110286. [PMID: 34822659 PMCID: PMC8619620 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine oral melanoma (COM) is a highly aggressive tumour associated with poor prognosis due to metastasis and resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapies. As with human mucosal melanoma, the mutational landscape is predominated by copy number aberrations and chromosomal structural variants, but differences in study cohorts and/or tumour heterogeneity can lead to discordant results regarding the nature of specific genes affected. This review discusses somatic molecular alterations in COM that result from single nucleotide variations, copy number changes, chromosomal rearrangements, and/or dysregulation of small non-coding RNAs. A cross-species comparison highlights notable recurrent aberrations, and functionally grouping dysregulated proteins reveals unifying biological pathways that may be critical for oncogenesis and metastasis. Finally, potential therapeutic strategies are considered to target these pathways in canine patients, and the benefits of collaboration between science, medical, and veterinary communities are emphasised.
Collapse
|
5
|
Matias M, Pinho JO, Penetra MJ, Campos G, Reis CP, Gaspar MM. The Challenging Melanoma Landscape: From Early Drug Discovery to Clinical Approval. Cells 2021; 10:3088. [PMID: 34831311 PMCID: PMC8621991 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is recognized as the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with high mortality and resistance to currently used treatments. To overcome the limitations of the available therapeutic options, the discovery and development of new, more effective, and safer therapies is required. In this review, the different research steps involved in the process of antimelanoma drug evaluation and selection are explored, including information regarding in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments, as well as clinical trial phases. Details are given about the most used cell lines and assays to perform both two- and three-dimensional in vitro screening of drug candidates towards melanoma. For in vivo studies, murine models are, undoubtedly, the most widely used for assessing the therapeutic potential of new compounds and to study the underlying mechanisms of action. Here, the main melanoma murine models are described as well as other animal species. A section is dedicated to ongoing clinical studies, demonstrating the wide interest and successful efforts devoted to melanoma therapy, in particular at advanced stages of the disease, and a final section includes some considerations regarding approval for marketing by regulatory agencies. Overall, considerable commitment is being directed to the continuous development of optimized experimental models, important for the understanding of melanoma biology and for the evaluation and validation of novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Penetra
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Campos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scattone NV, Epiphanio TMF, Caddrobi KG, Ferrão JSP, Hernandez-Blazquez FJ, Loureiro APDM, Massoco CDO, Dagli MLZ. Quantification of Global DNA Methylation in Canine Melanotic and Amelanotic Oral Mucosal Melanomas and Peripheral Blood Leukocytes From the Same Patients With OMM: First Study. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:680181. [PMID: 34504885 PMCID: PMC8421724 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.680181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral mucosal melanomas (OMMs) are aggressive and resistant cancers of high importance in veterinary oncology. Amelanotic OMM produces comparatively less melanin and is considered to be more aggressive than melanotic OMM. Global DNA methylation profiles with hypomethylated or hypermethylated patterns have both been associated with aggressive neoplasms; however, global DNA hypomethylation seems to correlate to higher aggressiveness. Accordingly, global DNA methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes has been investigated to understand the role of systemic or environmental factors in cancer development. This study aimed to quantify global DNA methylation in canine melanotic and amelanotic OMM samples and in the peripheral blood leukocytes of the same dogs. Tumor tissue samples were collected from 38 dogs, of which 19 were melanotic and 19 were amelanotic OMM. These were submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti-5-methylcytosine (5mC) and anti-Ki67 primary antibodies. Ki67- and 5mC-positive nuclei were manually scored with the help of an image analysis system. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 18 among the 38 OMM-bearing dogs and from 7 additional healthy control dogs. Peripheral blood leukocytes were isolated from the 25 dogs, and DNA was extracted and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for global DNA methylation. The pattern of global DNA methylation in both canine melanotic and amelanotic OMM indicated higher percentages of weakly or negatively stained nuclei in most of the OMM cells, presuming predominant global DNA hypomethylation. In addition, Ki67 counts in amelanotic OMM were significantly higher than those in melanotic OMM (p < 0.001). Global DNA methylation different immunostaining patterns (strong, weak or negative) correlated with Ki67 scores. Global DNA methylation in circulating leukocytes did not differ between the 9 melanotic and 9 amelanotic OMM or between the 18 OMM-bearing dogs and the 7 healthy dogs. This study provides new information on canine melanotic and amelanotic OMM based on global DNA methylation and cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayra Villar Scattone
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Oncology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Moreno Ferrarias Epiphanio
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Oncology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Paula de Melo Loureiro
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina de Oliveira Massoco
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Oncology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|