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Blastic natural killer cell lymphoma/leukaemia in a cat

Miyuki Hirabayashi1, James K Chambers1, Mei Sugawara2

  • 1Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

JFMS Open Reports
|July 20, 2019
PubMed

Insights

A cat diagnosed with blastic natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma/leukaemia highlights the importance of CD56 as a diagnostic marker. This rare feline cancer underscores the need for further research into NK cell neoplasms in animals.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Lymphoma is a common malignancy in cats, but specific subtypes can be challenging to diagnose.
  • Natural Killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes with cytotoxic functions, implicated in various neoplasms.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old cat presented with subcutaneous edema and erythema, revealing atypical round cells on fine-needle aspiration.
  • Necropsy showed a subcutaneous mass, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy, with diffuse infiltration of atypical cells in multiple organs.
  • Immunohistochemistry revealed tumor cells positive for CD56 and negative for T-cell and B-cell markers.

Findings:

  • The feline tumor cells expressed CD56, consistent with a diagnosis of blastic natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma/leukaemia.
  • Clonality analysis for T-cell receptor-gamma and immunoglobulin heavy chain genes was negative, ruling out common T-cell or B-cell lymphoma.
  • The study confirmed cross-reactivity of a human CD56 antibody with feline CD56 via immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

Implications:

  • CD56 can serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for feline NK cell neoplasms.
  • This case expands the understanding of NK cell lymphoma/leukaemia in veterinary oncology.
  • Further investigation into feline NK cell neoplasms is warranted for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
CD56NK cell lymphoma/leukaemia

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