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The 2-tier grading system identifies canine cutaneous and/or subcutaneous mast cell tumors with aggressive biological
Silvia Sabattini1, Alessia Brocanelli1, Riccardo Zaccone1
1University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Veterinary Pathology
|April 5, 2024
Summary
The 2-tier histologic grading system effectively identifies aggressive canine mast cell tumors (MCTs), whether cutaneous (cMCTs) or subcutaneous (scMCTs). This grading surpasses nodal status and margin status for predicting prognosis in canine MCTs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Oncology
- Canine Pathology
- Tumor Grading Systems
Background:
- Histologic grading of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCTs) is crucial for prognosis, but validation for subcutaneous MCTs (scMCTs) is lacking.
- Standardizing the assessment of scMCT biological behavior, with or without dermal invasion, remains challenging and controversial.
- Growth models (GMs) of MCTs may influence their behavior, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic utility of the 2-tier histologic grading system for MCTs across different growth models (GMs).
- To explore the prognostic impact of specific MCT growth models.
- To determine if the 2-tier grading system can identify aggressive behavior in both cMCTs and scMCTs.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 91 MCTs from 76 dogs undergoing surgical excision and lymphadenectomy.
- Classification of tumors into 6 histologic growth model (GM) categories based on location and invasion patterns.
- Stratification of mitotic count, 2-tier grade, nodal status, margins, and outcomes according to GM.
Main Results:
- The 2-tier grading system identified aggressive behavior in MCTs irrespective of their cutaneous or subcutaneous origin.
- Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCTs) with deep subcutaneous involvement showed the highest rate of high-grade tumors (33%), nodal metastases (33%), and lowest survival (86%).
- Subcutaneous MCTs (scMCTs) without dermal invasion, previously thought benign, exhibited poor prognosis in 10% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Histologic grade is a significant prognostic factor for canine MCTs, outperforming nodal involvement and margin status.
- The 2-tier histologic grading system is a reliable tool for identifying aggressive canine mast cell tumors (MCTs).
- This grading system provides prognostic information for both cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumors, regardless of their growth model.
