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Influence of the extent of cervical lymph node dissection and lymph nodes metastases on prognosis in a cohort of dogs with oral malignant melanoma treated by surgical resection and adjuvant anti-CSPG4 electrovaccination: a retrospective study on 77 cases

  • 0Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science +

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August 11, 2025

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August 11, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Ipsilateral mandibular lymphadenectomy may be a suitable surgical approach for canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM). Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in diverse treatment scenarios and for sentinel lymph node identification.

Area Of Science

  • Veterinary Oncology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background

  • The optimal regional/sentinel lymph node (LN) staging strategy for canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM) remains debated.
  • Accurate staging is crucial for determining prognosis and guiding treatment in dogs with OMM.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To retrospectively assess the prognostic significance of neck dissection methods and LN metastasis in dogs with OMM.
  • To evaluate the impact of surgery and adjuvant anti-CSPG4 electrovaccination on survival outcomes.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of 77 dogs with OMM treated with surgery and adjuvant electrovaccination.
  • Dogs were grouped based on the presence or absence of histologically confirmed LN metastasis.
  • Comparison of survival times and disease-free intervals between different lymphadenectomy approaches (ipsilateral vs. bilateral, medial retropharyngeal LN removal).

Main Results

  • The overall LN metastatic rate was 31%, predominantly in the mandibular lymph center (83%).
  • No significant differences in median survival time (MST) or disease-free interval (DFI) were found between dogs with and without LN metastasis.
  • Different lymphadenectomy patterns (ipsilateral, bilateral, medial retropharyngeal LN removal) did not significantly impact MST or DFI.
  • No association was observed between LN metastasis and recurrence, distant metastasis, or progressive disease.

Conclusions

  • Ipsilateral mandibular lymphadenectomy appears to be a reasonable surgical option for OMM in this specific cohort.
  • The findings are specific to this treatment protocol and require further investigation for broader applicability.
  • Future research should focus on sentinel LN identification for improved canine OMM staging.

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