Comparative epidemiological study of breast cancer in humans and canine mammary tumors: insights from Portugal

Dogs spontaneously develop mammary gland tumors (MGT) and exhibit striking similarities in clinical and epidemiological characteristics to human breast cancer (HBC). Descriptive and comparative analysis of HBC and canine MGT with a focus on evaluating similarities and geographical distribution were the aims of this study. HBC cases were obtained from North Regional Oncological Registry (RORENO) (2010–2015) and canine MGT cases from Vet-OncoNet (2019–2022). Analyses were performed based on published and well accepted classification systems (ICD-O-3.2 for humans and Vet-ICD-O-canine-1). Age-standardized incidence risks (ASIR) of Porto district municipalities were calculated using 2021 Portuguese census (INE) and data from the Portuguese animal registration system (SIAC). Among 7,674 HBC cases and 1,140 MGT cases, a similar age and sex distribution pattern was observed. Approximately 69.2% of HBC cases were between 40 and 69 years old, while 66.9% of MGT cases were diagnosed between 7 and 12 years old (mean age of 9.6 years, SD = 2.6). In women, Invasive breast carcinoma (8500/3) was the most common histological type (n = 5,679, 74%) while in dogs it was the Complex Carcinoma (8983.1/3) (n = 205, 39%). Cocker and Yorkshire Terriers exhibited the highest relative risks (3.2 and 1.6, p < 0.05, respectively) when compared to cross breed dogs. The municipalities' ASIR of the two species exhibited a high correlation (R = 0.85, p < 0.01) and the spatial cluster analysis revealed similar geographic hotspots. Also, higher ASIR values both in women and dogs were more frequently found in urbanized areas compared to rural areas. This research sheds light on the shared features and geographical correlation between HBC and canine MGT, highlighting the potential of cross-species environmental oncology studies

Vet-OncoNet: Malignancy Analysis of Neoplasms in Dogs and Cats

Analysis of canine and feline tumor malignancy data can help clinicians identify high-risk patients and make more accurate decisions. Based on a sample of 16,272 cancer records, including 3266 cats and 13,006 dogs, collected from January 2019 to December 2021 in the Vet-OncoNet Network database, this study aimed to compare the tumor malignancy profile between cats and dogs, considering animal-related factors (sex, age, and breed), topography, and geographic location using a mixed-effects logistic regression model. Cats had a higher proportion of malignant tumors (78.7%) than dogs (46.2%), and the malignancy profile was very different regarding tumors’ topographies.The mean age of malignant tumors occurred eight months later than benign ones (9.1, SD = 3.4; 9.8,SD = 3.2), in general. Species (OR = 3.96, 95%CI 3.57: 4.39) and topography (MOR = 4.10) were the two most important determinants of malignancy risk. Female dogs had a higher risk than male dogs (OR = 1.19, 95%CI 1.08: 1.31), which does not appear to be the case in cats (OR = 0.98, 95%CI0.77: 1.23). Breed contributed significantly to differences in malignancy risk in dogs (MOR = 1.56), particularly in pit bulls and boxers. District of residence was not so relevant in predicting malignancy risk (MOR = 1.14). In both species, the risk of malignancy increased by approximately 20% every three years. It could be hypothesized that species differences in genetic structure may contribute to tumor malignancy

Vet-ICD-O-Canine-1, a System for Coding Canine Neoplasms Based on the Human ICD-O-3.2

Cancer registries are fundamental tools for collecting epidemiological cancer data and developing cancer prevention and control strategies. While cancer registration is common in the human medical field, many attempts to develop animal cancer registries have been launched over time, but most have been discontinued. A pivotal aspect of cancer registration is the availability of cancer coding systems, as provided by the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O). Within the Global Initiative for Veterinary Cancer Surveillance (GIVCS), established to foster and coordinate animal cancer registration worldwide, a group of veterinary pathologists and epidemiologists developed a comparative coding system for canine neoplasms. Vet-ICD-O-canine-1 is compatible with the human ICD-O-3.2 and is consistent with the currently recognized classification schemes for canine tumors. It comprises 335 topography codes and 534 morphology codes. The same code as in ICD-O-3.2 was used for the majority of canine tumors showing a high level of similarity to their human counterparts (n = 408). De novo codes (n = 152) were created for specific canine tumor entities (n = 126) and topographic sites (n = 26). The Vet-ICD-O-canine-1 coding system represents a user-friendly, easily accessible, and comprehensive resource for developing a canine cancer registration system that will enable studies within the One Health space

Vet-ICD-O-Canine-1, a System for Coding Canine Neoplasms Based on the Human ICD-O-3.2.

Cancer registries are fundamental tools for collecting epidemiological cancer data and developing cancer prevention and control strategies. While cancer registration is common in the human medical field, many attempts to develop animal cancer registries have been launched over time, but most have been discontinued. A pivotal aspect of cancer registration is the availability of cancer coding systems, as provided by the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O). Within the Global Initiative for Veterinary Cancer Surveillance (GIVCS), established to foster and coordinate animal cancer registration worldwide, a group of veterinary pathologists and epidemiologists developed a comparative coding system for canine neoplasms. Vet-ICD-O-canine-1 is compatible with the human ICD-O-3.2 and is consistent with the currently recognized classification schemes for canine tumors. It comprises 335 topography codes and 534 morphology codes. The same code as in ICD-O-3.2 was used for the majority of canine tumors showing a high level of similarity to their human counterparts (n = 408). De novo codes (n = 152) were created for specific canine tumor entities (n = 126) and topographic sites (n = 26). The Vet-ICD-O-canine-1 coding system represents a user-friendly, easily accessible, and comprehensive resource for developing a canine cancer registration system that will enable studies within the One Health space

Cross Species Analysis and Comparison of Tumors in Dogs and Cats, by Age, Sex, Topography and Main Morphologies. Data from Vet-OncoNet

The animal cancer burden is essential for the translational value of companion animals in comparative oncology. The present work aims to describe, analyze, and compare frequencies and associations of tumors in dogs and cats based on the Animal Cancer Registry created by Vet-OncoNet. With 9079 registries, regarding 2019 and 2020, 81% (n = 7355) belonged to dogs. In comparison, cats have a general one-year right advance in the mean age of cancer diagnosis compared to dogs. The multivariate topography group analysis shows a distinct pattern between the two species: dogs have higher odds of cancer in the genito-urinary system, spleen, soft tissue tumors and skin, while cats show higher odds for tumors in the eyes, digestive organs, nasal cavity, lymph nodes, bones and mammary glands. Regarding morphologies, dogs are overrepresented in mast cell tumors (MCT), melanomas, and hemangiosarcomas. While cats are overrepresented in fibrosarcomas, lymphomas (T and B-cell), in malignant mammary tumors, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Females have greater odds only in the mammary gland, with males having greater odds in six of twelve topographies. This study is the first outcome of continuous animal cancer registration studies in Portugal

Cross Species Analysis and Comparison of Tumors in Dogs and Cats, by Age, Sex, Topography and Main Morphologies. Data from Vet-OncoNet

The animal cancer burden is essential for the translational value of companion animals in comparative oncology. The present work aims to describe, analyze, and compare frequencies and associations of tumors in dogs and cats based on the Animal Cancer Registry created by Vet-OncoNet. With 9079 registries, regarding 2019 and 2020, 81% (n = 7355) belonged to dogs. In comparison, cats have a general one-year right advance in the mean age of cancer diagnosis compared to dogs. The multivariate topography group analysis shows a distinct pattern between the two species: dogs have higher odds of cancer in the genito-urinary system, spleen, soft tissue tumors and skin, while cats show higher odds for tumors in the eyes, digestive organs, nasal cavity, lymph nodes, bones and mammary glands. Regarding morphologies, dogs are overrepresented in mast cell tumors (MCT), melanomas, and hemangiosarcomas. While cats are overrepresented in fibrosarcomas, lymphomas (T and B-cell), in malignant mammary tumors, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Females have greater odds only in the mammary gland, with males having greater odds in six of twelve topographies. This study is the first outcome of continuous animal cancer registration studies in Portugal

Evaluation of the chemosensibility of canine mast cell tumor grades I, II and III to the all trans retinoic acid

O mastocitoma é o tumor cutâneo mais comum dos cães, representando 7% a 21% dos tumores da pele e tecidos moles, 11% a 27% dos tumores malignos cutâneos nessa espécie. Eles possuem uma grande variedade de aparência e comportamento, o qual o torna um desafio seu tratamento. Os retinóides são uma promessa na luta contra o câncer. Entretanto, há poucos estudos sobre os efeitos dos retinóides em neoplasias caninas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a cultura primária de mastocitomas caninos assim como investigar a quimiosensibilidade deste tumor ao ácido retinóico todo-trans (ATRA). A cultura primária de mastocitomas caninos foi realizada em co-cultivo com fibroblastos, que demonstrou uma interação favorável entre mastócitos e fibroblastos, com uma sobrevida média de 30 dias. A quimiosensibilidade dos mastocitomas caninos ao ATRA não mostrou diferenças entre os graus de mastocitomas, ou seja, tanto um mastocitoma grau II ou III respondem igualmente ao ATRA nas doses estudadas. Foi constatado também que o mastocitoma é mais sensível na concentração 10-4M de ATRA (p < 0,002). Existe também um efeito já nas primeiras 24h, mas esse não se altera em 48h, entretanto se intensifica após 72h. Podemos inferir, então, que a maior quimiosensibilidade de mastocitomas caninos ao ATRA se dá após 72h de exposição na dose de 10-4M. Podemos concluir que o ATRA apresenta efeitos sobre as células de mastocitomas caninos e pode ser usado como potencial adjuvante no tratamento desta neoplasia.Mast cell tumor (MCT) is one of the most frequent neoplasms that affect the skin and soft tissue of the dog, representing about 7% a 21% of all skin tumors and 11% a 27% of malignant skin tumors in this specie. They present a great variety of appearance and behavior, which becomes a challenge to the treatment. The retinoids are well recognized as promising antitumor agents. However, there have only been a few reports about the effect of retinoids in canine cancers. The aim of this study was to characterize the primary mast cell tumor culture and to investigate the chemosensitivity of this tumor to all trans retinoic acid (ATRA). The primary cell culture of MCT was performed as co-cultive with fibroblasts, showing a positive interaction between mast cells and fibroblasts, with a lifetime of 30 days. The chemosensitivity of MCT to ATRA showed no difference between grade II or III, thus either a MCT grade II or grade III has the same response with ATRA at the doses studied. It has been shown that the MCT is more sensible at the dose 10-4M (p < 0,002). There is also an effect on first 24h untill 48h, changing after 72h. According to these results, it is possible to state that the great chemosensitivity of MCT to ATRA is after 72h of exposition at 10-4M. We can conclude that ATRA may be a potential adjunctive chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of canine mast cell tumor

Contribuição ao estudo de histiocitomas cutâneos caninos

Objetivos: O histiocitoma cutâneo canino (HCC) é uma neoplasia benigna comum em cães jovens, com origem nas células de Langerhans. A predisposição racial deste tumor não é clara. Este estudo tem como objetivo, a caracterização epidemiológica destes tumores em Bulldogs Franceses (BF) e compará-los com as outras raças, relativamente às variáveis sexo, idade, tamanho, localização anatómica, diâmetro e distribuição geográfica. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo com base na população de casos de tumores cutâneos diagnosticados no laboratório DNAtech de Janeiro de 2020 até Fevereiro de 2022. Resultados: Foram identificados um total de 359 HCC. A maioria dos casos pertenciam a machos (58.5%) e 50% dos casos ocorreram até aos 2 anos de idade. A raça com maior número de casos foi o BF com 24% do total das amostras. A face e o membro anterior foram os locais mais comuns de HCC. Os resultados estatísticos mostraram uma relação entre a raça BF e a face. Os machos apresentaram lesões maiores comparativamente às fêmeas e as lesões na região perianal eram maiores do que as restantes lesões. Os machos da raça BF e Boxer apresentaram maior probabilidade de desenvolver um HCC do que em fêmeas e nas restantes raças. Conclusão: A célula de Langerhans é uma célula apresentadora de antigénio responsável pelo controlo das respostas imunológicas da pele. Perceber o porquê de uma maior prevalência de um tumor destas células nos BF, poderá abrir caminho a outras linhas de investigação que não se resumem à oncologia. &nbsp; Palavras-chave: Histiocitoma cutâneo canino; Célula de Langerhans; Bulldog Francês

Mastocitomas cutâneos vs. subcutâneos – Estudo epidemiológico dos dados do laboratório DNAtech 2017-2022

Objetivos: Os mastocitomas são neoplasias que, se diagnosticados na pele, são classificados em cutâneos e subcutâneos. O objetivo deste estudo é proceder uma análise comparativa entre os fatores de risco associados a estes tumores. Material e Métodos: Foram analisados a raça, idade, sexo e localização anatómica da lesão em 633 mastocitomas cutâneos (MCTcut) e 192 mastocitomas subcutâneos (MCTsub). Foi realizada uma análise descritiva, inferencial com análises de correspondência e regressão logística. Resultados: Não há diferenças entre a idade média à excisão entre MCTcut e MCTsub (8,1 DP=2.9; 8,6 DP=2.8). Em relação ao sexo, as idades médias não diferem e nos MCTcut não há predileção; enquanto nos MCTsub há um predomínio de fêmeas (57,3%, p&lt;0.05). MCTcut - Os SRD foram os mais frequentes (212, 33,5%) apresentando a maior idade média (8,8 DP=3,2, p&lt;0.05), seguidos pelos Labradores (134, 21,2%) e Boxers (46, 7,3%). Os Bulldog franceses e os Pugs foram os que apresentaram&nbsp;&nbsp; as médias de idade mais baixas (6,5DP=2,5; 6,1DP=1,7). MCTsub – os SRD são os mais frequentes (63, 38,4%) com maior idade média (9.2 DP=3,1), sucedendo-se os Labradores (40, 24,4%) e os Golden Retriever (8, 4,8%). Categorizando pela Fédération Cynologique Internationale, o grupo dos cães Molossóides foi o que apresentou a menor idade média (6,8DP=2,5, p&lt;0.05) ao diagnóstico de MCTsub. Em ambos MCTs, a localização mais comum foi o membro posterior, com uma média de idade mais alta nos mastocitomas subcutâneos (9,2DP=2.9) do que nos cutâneos (7,7DP=2.7). Nos MCTsub, a análise de correspondência revelou que os Boxers apresentam tendência a lesões na face e pescoço. Nos MCTcut, os graus mais comuns foram o grau II de Patnaik e baixo grau de Kiupel (558, 88,15%; 509, 80,41%). Os casos de alto grau de Kiupel e grau III de Patnaik apresentaram-se em idades mais tardias (9,4 DP=3.1; 9,2 DP=2.9). Nos MCTsub, o padrão mais comum foi o infiltrativo (73, 38%). O resultado da regressão logística ajustado para o sexo mostra que a idade é o único fator diferencial entre os MCTs (β=1.08, p=0.01). Conclusões: Os MCT cutâneos e subcutâneos diferem sobretudo na idade de aparecimento, sendo esta influenciada pela raça. O comportamento biológico dos MCTcut tende a ser mais agressivo em idades mais avançadas. &nbsp; Palavras-chave: Cão; Cutâneo, Fatores de risco; Mastocitoma subcutâneo. &nbsp; Financiamento: Candidatura à atribuição de verbas para projeto exploratório- FMV-ULHT 2021-&nbsp;BIOPROGMAS