A Review of 18 Cases of Feline Colonic Adenocarcinoma Treated with Subtotal Colectomies and Adjuvant Carboplatin

Establishment and characterization of a novel cell line and xenotransplant mouse model derived from feline colorectal adenocarcinoma

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignant tumor in cats that frequently metastasizes to the lymph nodes and/or distant organs. However, research on feline colorectal adenocarcinoma is limited, and experimental models have not been established. A novel cell line, FeLeco-G7, was established from the lymph node of a 12-year-old spayed female Maine Coon cat with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. FeLeco-G7 cells were polygonal with abundant cytoplasm and adherent growth. The population-doubling time was approximately 28.3 hours, and the mean number of chromosomes was 37.6±0.1 per cell (ranging between 32 and 41). Consistent with the original tumor, FeLeco-G7 cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin (CK) 20 and CDX2, and immunonegative for CD10 and CK7. Nuclear accumulation of β-catenin was rarely observed. Mutation analysis suggested TP53 gene alterations. A subcutaneous injection of FeLeco-G7 cells into immunodeficient mice resulted in the formation of a mass at the injection site without the development of metastatic lesions. An orthotopic (intrarectal) transplantation of FeLeco-G7 cells caused cachexia and diffuse involvement of the rectal mucosa in one of the 3 mice and the formation of masses around the rectum in the other 2 mice. Metastases to the regional lymph nodes and lungs were detected in three of the 3 and one of the 3 mice, respectively. The histological findings and immunohistochemical features of these masses were similar to those of the original tumor. These results suggest that FeLeco-G7 cells and the orthotopically transplanted mouse model are valuable tools for further molecular and therapeutic research on feline colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Outcome and Prognostic Factors in Cats Undergoing Resection of Intestinal Adenocarcinomas: 58 Cases (2008–2020)

The purpose of this multi-institutional retrospective study was to expand the available data pertaining to pre-operative clinical findings, progression-free and overall survival times, and potential prognostic factors for cats undergoing surgery for intestinal adenocarcinomas. Fifty-eight cats treated over a 12-year period were included in the study. Progression-free and overall survival times were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Potential prognostic variables were evaluated for associations with progression-free and overall survival using univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Prior to surgery, the intestinal mass was identified using ultrasonography in 89% of cats in which it was applied; however, imaging findings suggestive of intrathoracic metastases were observed in only 9% of cats. Among 22 cats undergoing ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology, the results agreed with the results of histopathology in only 10 cats. Discordant results were most commonly related to the presence of marked inflammation in cytology samples, which may have obscured the presence of neoplastic cells. Diffuse intestinal small cell lymphoma was identified as a comorbidity in 5 cats. Resection of the tumor with the objective of obtaining wide surgical margins was performed in each cat. On histopathology, 20 tumors were classified as mucinous adenocarcinoma and 28 were adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified. Intestinal transection site margins were complete in 94% of cats; however, complete mural margins were present in only 15% of cats. Local lymph node metastases were identified in 52% of cats and carcinomatosis was diagnosed in 81% of cats. Disease progression was documented in 32 of the 58 cats (55%). Of these 32 cats, 14 (43%) had local recurrence of the primary intestinal tumor. Median progression-free survival was 203 days (95% CI 130–299 days), and median overall survival time was 284 days (95% CI 200–363 days). Mitotic count was inversely associated with progression-free survival (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07, P = 0.005); however, none of the remaining potential prognostic factors, including administration of adjuvant chemotherapy, were significantly associated with progression-free or overall survival. Feline intestinal adenocarcinoma remains an aggressive and highly fatal disease. Large, randomized controlled clinical trials will be needed to improve the survival prospects for affected cats.

Colonic Intramural Hematoma in a Cat: A Case Report

Colonic intramural hematoma is a rare condition in humans and companion animals. Its clinical presentation in cats has not previously been reported. An 8-year-old male American shorthair cat presented with acute onset of constipation and anorexia for 3 days. Laboratory examination indicated mild elevation of alanine aminotransferase, globulin, and total protein levels. Complete blood count was normal. Radiographs revealed a soft tissue opacity mass located caudodorsally to the urinary bladder, causing narrowing of the descending colonic lumen. Sonography showed a heteroechogenic intraluminal mass containing liquefied content between the submucosal and muscular layers of the descending colon. On computed tomographic images, the mass contained two different attenuated contents with an interface. Colonoscopy was then performed for intestinal biopsy, and the contents observed in the intraluminal mass were drained via surgical evacuation and considered as blood clots. Supportive medical treatment, including antibiotics and fecal softener, was administered, and the clinical signs resolved uneventfully. Mild chronic proctitis without apparent malignancy was confirmed histopathologically, and no recurrence was observed after more than 14 months, and thus a colonic intramural hematoma was presumptively diagnosed. The information provided by multimodal imaging of the mass was essential for the diagnosis and determination of the treatment in this case.

Protective Effect of Nerium Oleander Distillate and Tarantula Cubensis Alcoholic Extract on Cancer Biomarkers on Colon and Liver Tissues of Rats with Experimental Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

Colon cancers are among the three major cancer types that result in death. The research for effective treatment continues.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Tarantula cubensis alcoholic extract (TCAE) and Nerium oleander (NO) distillate on the levels of midkine, TGF-β, VEGF, AFP, COX-2, IGF and caspase 3 in liver and colon tissues of experimentally induced colon cancer in rats.

METHOD

The liver and colon tissues of the rats were divided into Control, Colon Cancer (AZM), AZM+TCAE and AZM+NO groups and they were homogenized. The levels of midkine, TGF-β, VEGF, AFP, COX-2, IGF and caspase 3 in the colon and liver tissues were measured by ELISA kits.

RESULTS

All parameters levels of colon and liver tissues in the AZM group were generally higher (p<0.05) than the Control group. TCAE and NO prevented (p<0.05) the increases in midkine, TGF-β, VEGF, AFP, COX-2, IGF and caspase-3 levels in the colon. NO prevented increase of all parameters except for IGF level, while TCAE prevented (p<0.05) the increase of all values apart from COX-2 and IGF levels in the liver.

CONCLUSION

NO and TCAE may prevented at the specified marker levels of colon in the AZM induced colon cancer. The increases the level of parameters in the liver are not as severe as in the colon, due to the 18-week study period may not be sufficient for liver metastasis formationIn the future molecular studies should be done to determine the mechanisms and pathways of them more clearly.

Evaluation of short-term risk factors associated with dehiscence and death following full-thickness incisions of the large intestine in cats: 84 cases (1993-2015)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate short-term risk factors associated with dehiscence and death in cats undergoing full-thickness large intestinal incisions.

ANIMALS

84 client-owned cats that had undergone full-thickness large intestinal incisions and for which information regarding outcome through postoperative day 7 was available.

PROCEDURES

Medical records from 4 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed. For cats that met the inclusion criteria, signalment, history, laboratory test results, surgical and medical procedures, perioperative complications, and outcome were analyzed. A Fisher exact or Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to identify individual variables associated with dehiscence of intestinal incisions or patient nonsurvival to hospital discharge or both.

RESULTS

84 cats met the inclusion criteria. The overall dehiscence and survival to hospital discharge rates were 8.3% (7/84 cats) and 94% (79/84 cats), respectively. Factors associated with dehiscence and nonsurvival to hospital discharge included presence of band neutrophils, performance of partial colectomy with colonic resection and anastomosis, administration of blood products, postoperative cardiopulmonary arrest, and incisional inflammation or infection. Factors associated with nonsurvival to hospital discharge only included low serum globulin concentration, repair of colonic trauma or dehiscence, and postoperative colonic dehiscence. Factors associated with dehiscence only included hypoalbuminemia, renal dysfunction, administration of blood products or > 2 classes of antimicrobials, and intra-abdominal fecal contamination.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that intestinal dehiscence and mortality rates associated with large intestinal incisions in cats may be higher than previously proposed, although the risk of either outcome was still low. Factors suggestive of systemic illness were associated with colonic dehiscence or death, and focused prospective studies of risk factors are warranted.

Cannabis, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine: Cannabinoids' Role in Public Health, Food Safety, and Translational Medicine

Public health is connected to cannabis with regard to food, animal feed (feed), and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the use of phytocannabinoids should be examined from a One Health perspective. Current knowledge on medical cannabis treatment (MCT) does not address sufficiently diseases which are of epidemiological and of zoonotic concern. The use of cannabinoids in veterinary medicine is illegal in most countries, mostly due to lack of evidence-based medicine. To answer the growing need of scientific evidence-based applicable medicine in both human and veterinary medicine, a new approach for the investigation of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids must be adopted. A model that offers direct study of a specific disease in human and veterinary patients may facilitate development of novel therapies. Therefore, we urge the regulatory authorities-the ministries of health and agriculture (in Israel and worldwide)-to publish guidelines for veterinary use due to its importance to public health, as well as to promote One Health-related preclinical translational medicine studies for the general public health.

Retrospective study of survival time and prognostic factors for dogs with small intestinal adenocarcinoma treated by tumor excision with or without adjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE To estimate survival time for dogs with small intestinal adenocarcinoma (SIACA) following tumor excision with or without adjuvant chemotherapy and to identify factors associated with survival time. DESIGN Retrospective case series with a nested cohort study. ANIMALS 29 client-owned dogs with surgically resected, histologically diagnosed SIACA. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and data collected regarding dog signalment; clinical signs; physical examination findings; PCV; serum total solids concentration; diagnostic imaging results; tumor size, location, and histologic characteristics (serosal extension, lymphatic invasion, surgical margins, and lymph node metastasis); type of adjuvant chemotherapy; NSAID administration; and survival time. Variables were assessed for associations with survival time and hazard rate via Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. RESULTS Overall median survival time for dogs with SIACA following tumor excision was 544 days (95% confidence interval, 369 to 719 days). Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates, the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 60% and 36%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, only age category was an independent predictor of survival over the follow-up period. Dogs < 8 years of age had a significantly longer median survival time (1,193 days) than dogs ≥ 8 years (488 days). Lymph node metastasis, adjuvant chemotherapy, NSAID administration, and other assessed variables were not associated with survival time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that SIACA in dogs carries a fair prognosis following excision, even when lymph node metastasis is present. Prospective studies are warranted to better characterize the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy or NSAID administration on survival time.