Immunohistochemical Expression of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 and Ki67 in Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma.

Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma is an aggressive neoplasm, and surgery remains the treatment of choice, although it is controversial in advanced cases. The prognostic factors are not well established. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is a membrane protein related to tumorigenesis, whereas Ki67 is a nuclear protein related to cell proliferation. Both are potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of HER2 and Ki67 markers in canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma. The tumor samples were divided into four groups: largest tumor diameter less than 2.5 cm, largest tumor diameter greater than 2.5 cm, metastatic lymph nodes, and control group of non-neoplastic anal sacs. Each contained 10 samples. Immunohistochemistry was performed to verify the expression of HER2 and Ki67 markers. Positive HER2 staining was observed in 45% of the neoplastic cases and negative HER2 staining in 100% of the control group. The Ki67 expression had a median of 25% in all groups, except for the control group, which had a median of 8%. The HER2 and Ki67 expression was present in apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma, making them potential therapeutic targets. However, it was not possible to determine the clinical value of either marker.

Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: A Review Based on a Consensus Organized by the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Oncology, ABROVET.

Hemangiosarcoma is a mesenchymal neoplasm originating in the endothelial cells of blood vessels; they can be classified as non-visceral and visceral types. Non-visceral hemangiosarcomas can affect the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscle tissues; visceral hemangiosarcomas can affect the spleen, liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, oral cavity, bones, bladder, uterus, tongue, and retroperitoneum. Among domestic species, dogs are most affected by cutaneous HSA. Cutaneous HSA represents approximately 14% of all HSA diagnosed in this species and less than 5% of dermal tumors, according to North American studies. However, Brazilian epidemiological data demonstrate a higher prevalence, which may represent 27 to 80% of all canine HSAs and 13.9% of all skin neoplasms diagnosed in this species. Cutaneous HSA most commonly affects middle-aged to elderly dogs (between 8 and 15 years old), with no gender predisposition for either the actinic or non-actinic forms. The higher prevalence of cutaneous HSA in some canine breeds is related to lower protection from solar radiation, as low skin pigmentation and hair coverage lead to greater sun exposure. Actinic changes, such as solar dermatosis, are frequent in these patients, confirming the influence of solar radiation on the development of this neoplasm. There are multiple clinical manifestations of hemangiosarcoma in canines. The diagnostic approach and staging classification of cutaneous HSAs are similar between the different subtypes. The definitive diagnosis is obtained through histopathological analysis of incisional or excisional biopsies. Cytology can be used as a presurgical screening test; however, it has little diagnostic utility in cases of HSA because there is a high risk of blood contamination and sample hemodilution. Surgery is generally the treatment of choice for dogs with localized non-visceral HSA without evidence of metastatic disease. Recently, electrochemotherapy (ECT) has emerged as an alternative therapy for the local ablative treatment of different neoplastic types; the use of radiotherapy for the treatment of dogs with cutaneous HSA is uncommon. There is greater consensus in the literature regarding the indications for adjuvant chemotherapy in subcutaneous and muscular HSA; doxorubicin is the most frequently used antineoplastic agent for subcutaneous and muscular subtypes and can be administered alone or in combination with other drugs. Other therapies include antiangiogenic therapy, photodynamic therapy, the association of chemotherapy with the metronomic dose, targeted therapies, and natural products. The benefits of these therapies are presented and discussed. In general, the prognosis of splenic and cardiac HSA is unfavorable. As a challenging neoplasm, studies of new protocols and treatment modalities are necessary to control this aggressive disease.

Caveolin-1, GATA-3, and Ki67 expressions and their correlation with pathological findings in canine bladder urothelial carcinoma.

The bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC) represents ~2% of malignant neoplasms in dogs and is a therapeutic challenge in veterinary medicine. Although it is considered the most common bladder cancer in dogs, few previous studies have investigated different markers that correlate with clinical and pathological parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate Caveolin-1, GATA-3, and Ki67 immunostaining in canine UC samples to evaluate their correlations with histopathological variables. Thirty tumor samples were obtained, and Caveolin-1, GATA-3, and Ki67 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and associated with pathological factors by univariate and multivariate analyses. Among the histopathological findings, lymphatic invasion was identified in 53.33% of the tumors, and the mean mitotic count (MC) was 31.82 ± 26.26. Caveolin-1 showed mild-to-high cytoplasmic expression in neoplastic cells, whereas GATA-3 showed mild-to-high nuclear expression. The Ki67 expression revealed a mean of 24.14 ± 16.88% positive cells. In the univariate analysis, no association was found between each marker and the pathological findings. On the other hand, in multivariate analysis, we identified a positive correlation between GATA-3 and MC and a negative correlation between Caveolin-1 and MC. Moreover, lymphatic invasion was positively correlated with histological type and grade, and negatively correlated with MC. In addition, the histological type was positively correlated with the histological grade. Overall, our results indicate that Caveolin-1 and GATA-3 expression could be promising markers for bladder UC aggressiveness.

Immunolabelling of Acetylated Histones 3 and 4 and Histone Deacetylases 1, 2 and 6 in Canine Soft Tissue Sarcomas.

The objective of this study was to investigate the immunolabelling of acetylated histones and histone desacetylase (HDAC) enzymes in canine soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) and to correlate them with histological and clinical features in order to identify possible prognostic and therapeutic targets in these neoplasms. Fifteen canine STS samples were evaluated and were submitted to immunohistochemistry for acetylated histones 3 (H3) and 4 (H4) and deacetylating enzymes (HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC6). Intense immunolabelling of H4 was seen in comparison with H3. A strong positive correlation was observed between the H3 intensity score and the number of mitotic figures (P = 0.004, r = 0.7). Intense immunolabelling of HDAC1 was found in comparison to the expression of HDAC2 and HDAC6 in the evaluated STSs. This finding suggests that HDAC1 may be a potential target for HDAC inhibitors in STSs in dogs.

Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment of Canine Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumors.

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are hematopoietic neoplasms composed of mast cells. It is highly common in dogs and is extremely important in the veterinary oncology field. It represents the third most common tumor subtype, and is the most common malignant skin tumor in dogs, corresponding to 11% of skin cancer cases. The objective of this critical review was to present the report of the 2nd Consensus meeting on the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Canine Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumors, which was organized by the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Oncology (ABROVET) in August 2021. The most recent information on cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs is presented and discussed.

Investigation of Prognostic Value of Claudin-5, PSMA, and Ki67 Expression in Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma.

Splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant tumor of endothelial cells that affects middle-aged and elderly dogs and is characterized by the formation of new blood vessels, commonly associated with necrotic and hemorrhagic areas. Despite its importance in veterinary medicine, few studies have identified markers with prognostic value for canine HSA. Thus, this study aimed to associate the clinicopathological findings (prostate-specific membrane antigen [PSMA], Claudin-5, and Ki67 gene and protein expression) with overall survival in HSA-affected patients. Fifty-three formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded canine splenic HSA samples, previously diagnosed by histopathological examination, were used in this study. Claudin-5, PSMA, and Ki67 protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and gene expression was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Claudin-5 protein overexpression was observed in patients with metastasis (p = 0.0078) and with stage III tumors compared to those with stage I and II tumors (p = 0.0451). In patients treated with surgery alone, low PSMA gene and protein expression (p = 0.05 and p = 0.0355, respectively) were associated with longer survival time. Longer survival time was observed in patients with a low Ki67 index (p = 0.0488). Our results indicate that Claudin-5 protein expression is associated with metastatic status, and PSMA gene and protein expression, and Ki67 index are associated with survival time.

Lymphatic invasion is a significant indicator of poor patient outcome in canine bladder urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Urothelial carcinoma (UC), also known as transitional cell carcinoma, is the most common malignant tumor of the canine urinary bladder and represents a model for studying human bladder cancer. However, the existing literature has limited data on the clinicopathological characteristics of these tumors and their prognostic value. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate such factors, correlating them with follow-up, in a group of 32 dogs with bladder UC. METHODS: Clinical data of these cases, submitted to São Paulo State University and VetPat Private Laboratory (São Paulo/Brazil), were recorded between January 2000 and November 2019. For each case, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and histologically evaluated. Survival analysis was carried out, and the prognostic value of the presence of lymphatic invasion and the treatment used was determined. RESULTS: Dogs with neoplastic lymphatic vessel invasion had a lower overall survival compared to those without lymphatic invasion, and dogs that received vinblastine in addition to surgery had higher global survival when compared to animals that received carboplatin in addition to surgery. CONCLUSION: The results obtained show the importance of further studies regarding the prognostic value of the two factors demonstrated as potential survival predictors, especially the lymphatic vessel invasion.

Clinical value of carcinoembryonic antigen in mammary neoplasms of bitches.

This study aimed at evaluating the behaviour and understanding the diagnostic value of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in bitches with mammary carcinoma as a tool for monitoring and prognosis of canine cancer patients. Serum samples from 77 bitches were divided into four groups, G1 (n = 21), control group (healthy/neoplasia free bitches); G2 (n = 31), bitches with non-metastatic mammary carcinoma less than 3 cm; G3 (n = 12), bitches with non-metastatic mammary carcinoma greater than 3 cm; and, G4 (n = 13) bitches with mammary carcinoma and lymph node metastasis. The marker was dosed once in G1, whereas in G2, G3 and G4, CEA levels were determined before (M0) and 15 days after (M1) mastectomy, using the ELISA kit for humans while reading used ELISYS ONE human. A group of 11 bitches was followed up 45 days after mastectomy (M2). The results for the concentration of markers in blood serum samples at the evaluated times and their relationship with neoplasia biological behaviour and observed clinicopathological changes were evaluated by the Tukey test at 5% significance. The ROC curve was established to find the cut-off value and calculate the test sensitivity and specificity, the multivariate matching analysis was performed to confirm the association between CEA values and clinicopathological variables. CEA values increased significantly in bitches with mammary carcinoma, metastatic tumours with a diameter larger than 3.0 cm and high grade, compared with healthy ones. In addition, mastectomy reduced the CEA concentration in the blood (P < .05) whereas high CEA levels were associated with unfavourable prognostic factors (P < .05). The biomarker presented good diagnostic value, especially for more aggressive tumours. In conclusion, CEA serum concentrations allowed to follow efficiently the evolution of mammary tumours in bitches, since CEA values increased in bitches with mammary gland tumour and decreased after mastectomy while correlating with prognostic factors such as tumour size, nodal metastasis and histological grade. Further studies are still needed to confirm its diagnostic value for follow-up of relapse and early metastasis.

Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin in a dog presenting with bone metastasis.

A 10-year-old female American Pit Bull dog was diagnosed with metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma of the scapula. Immunohistochemistry showed positive immunoexpression for cytokeratins (AE1/AE3, 34BE12, CK7) and vimentin, confirming squamous cell carcinoma. No evidence of nodules was found in the complete physical examination and imaging procedures conducted. The patient was diagnosed with carcinoma of unknown primary origin. Amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and piroxicam were performed, but the patient died of respiratory failure after 737 days of diagnosis. Necropsy confirmed undifferentiated carcinoma infiltrating the lungs and kidneys, and showing the same immunoexpression as the tumor in the scapula. Amputation associated with chemotherapy extended the overall survival time of this patient.

Acetylcholinesterase activity and total antioxidant levels in dogs with mammary tumors before and after surgical removal / Actividad de acetilcolinesterasa y niveles totales de antioxidantes en perros con tumores de mama antes y después de la extirpación quirúrgica

ABSTRACT Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate AChE activity in total blood and the FRAP levels in samples from dogs with mammary tumors before and after surgery, as well as the relationship between these variables with immunohistochemical markers of tumor (E-caderina, ki-67, COX-2). Materials and methods. In this study, 13 dogs with mammary tumors were divided into two groups (A and B). The group A was formed by dogs with tumors smaller than 3 cm of diameter, and the group B was formed by dogs with tumor of 3 cm of diameter or larger. The AChE activity and FRAP levels were evaluated before and after surgery and the immunohistochemistry were performed at the tumors. Results. The AChE activity was significantly increased (p<0.05) in dogs with mammary cancer compared to control animals, and neither surgery or tumor size affected the AChE activity (p>0.05). FRAP levels before surgery were significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to control animals. Also, FRAP levels increased significantly after surgery in animals of the group A compared to data before surgery, a fact not observed in dogs from the group B. E-cadherin showed low significant positive correlation with FRAP levels (r=0.37, p-value=0.05); COX-2 showed a moderate significant positive correlation to FRAP (r=0.55, p-value<0.05); and COX-2 showed a low significant positive correlation to AChE (r=0.32, p-value=0.01). Conclusions. AChE and antioxidant levels are modified in dogs with mammary cancer. These variables are involved in various physiological functions, and thus, they might be related to disease pathogenesis.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar la actividad de la AChE en sangre total y los niveles de FRAP en muestras de perros con tumores mamarios antes y después de la cirugía, así como la relación entre estas variables con marcadores inmunohistoquímicos de tumores (E-caderina, ki-67 , COX - 2). Materiales y métodos. En este estudio, 13 perros con tumores mamarios se dividieron en dos grupos (A y B). El grupo A estaba formado por perros con tumores menores de 3 cm de diámetro y el grupo B estaba formado por perros con tumor de 3 cm de diámetro o más. La actividad de AChE y los niveles de FRAP se evaluaron antes y después de la cirugía y la inmunohistoquímica se realizó en los tumores. Resultados. La actividad de la AChE aumentó significativamente (p<0.05) en perros con cáncer mamario en comparación con los animales control, y ni la cirugía ni el tamaño tumoral afectaron la actividad de la AChE (p>0.05). Los niveles de FRAP antes de la cirugía fueron significativamente más bajos (p<0.05) en comparación con los animales control. Además, los niveles de FRAP aumentaron significativamente después de la cirugía en animales del grupo A en comparación con los datos antes de la cirugía, hecho que no se observó en perros del grupo B. La E-cadherina mostró correlación positiva baja con los niveles de FRAP (r = 0.37, valor p=0.05); COX-2 mostró una moderada correlación positiva significativa con FRAP (r = 0.55, p-valor<0.05); Y la COX-2 mostró una correlación positiva de baja significación con la AChE (r = 0.32, p-valor = 0.01). Conclusiones. AChE y los niveles de antioxidantes se modifican en perros con cáncer de mama. Estas variables están implicadas en diversas funciones fisiológicas, y por lo tanto, pueden estar relacionadas con la patogénesis de la enfermedad.

Histopathological and immunophenotypical assessment of canine primary splenic lymphoma according to the World Health Organization / Avaliação histopatológica e imunofenotípica segundo a classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde do linfoma esplênico primário em cães

Although there are several studies addressing multicentric lymphoma in dogs, data regarding splenic lymphoma remains scarce. The diagnosis of splenic lymphoma using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system can aid prognostic characterization of splenic lymphoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the most common histological types of splenic lymphoma in dogs from Brazil according to the WHO classification. We assessed 33 cases of splenic lymphoma diagnosed by histopathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis submitted to VETPAT- Pathology Laboratory, Campinas-SP, Brazil. IHC was performed using antibodies against CD3 for T-cell and CD79α for B-cell identification . Mean age of patients with splenic lymphoma was 9.8 years. The most affected breeds were mixed breed dogs (33%) followed by Pit bulls and Yorkshires (9.0%). The most prevalent histological type was marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (60.7%) followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (12.1%) and lymphoblastic T-cell lymphoma (12.1%). Histological and immunohistochemical characterization of splenic lymphoma is important due to the high prevalence of indolent lymphomas such as marginal zone, which may be less aggressive and thus have different prognostic and distinct forms of treatment when compared to high-grade lymphomas.(AU)

Embora existam diversos estudos a respeito do linfoma multicêntrico em cães, os dados sobre linfoma esplênico primário são escassos. O diagnóstico do linfoma esplênico utilizando a classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) pode melhorar a caracterização da doença. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os principais tipos de linfoma esplênico primário em cães no Brasil de acordo com a classificação da OMS. Foram avaliados 33 casos de linfoma esplênico diagnosticados por histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica submetidos ao Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (VETPAT, Campinas/SP). A imuno-histoquímica foi realizada utilizando os anticorpos CD3 para linfomas T, CD79α para linfomas B. A média de idade dos pacientes com linfoma esplênico foi de 9,8 anos. Os animais sem raça definida (SRD) foram os mais acometidos (33%) seguidos de PitBulls e Yorkshire (9,0%). O tipo histológico mais comum foi o linfoma de zona marginal representando 60,7% dos casos seguido do linfoma difuso de grandes células B (12,1%) e linfoma linfoblástico T (12,1%). A caracterização histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica do linfoma esplênico é importante devido à alta prevalência de linfomas indolentes como o linfoma de zona marginal, que devido ao seu comportamento indolente apresenta prognóstico e tratamento distintos quando comparado aos linfomas de alto grau.(AU)

Intranasal Osteosarcoma in a Dog-A Case Report.

Osteosarcoma is the most commonly reported bone tumor in dogs, typically affecting the axial and appendicular skeleton. Involvement of the paranasal sinuses and the nasal cavity is extremely rare. This report describes a 6-year-old, female, cross-breed dog presented with signs of 90 days duration and diagnosed with a mass located in the right nasal cavity. Radiography, rhinoscopy, and computed tomography findings suggested the presence of an intranasal tumor. Osteosarcoma in the nasal cavity was diagnosed based on histopathological examination and clinical and imaging findings. Survival time was 12 months from diagnosis.

Post mortem evaluation of spinal cord and protruded intervertebral discs in dogs without neurological abnormalities / Avaliação post mortem da medula espinhal e de discos intervertebrais protrusos em cães sem alterações neurológicas

The aim of this study was to verify the presence of protrusion of the intervertebral disc (IVD) causing compression of the spinal cord and/or roots of cauda equina in 30 dogs above seven years of age with no evidence of previous neurological abnormalities. After the occurrence of death or euthanasia, a laminectomy was performed from C2 to the sacral vertebra to verify the presence of IVD protrusions. The protruded IVD were macroscopically graded according to the Thompson scale, and the corresponding spinal cord segment was histologically analyzed for nervous tissue compression. Of the 30 dogs, twelve (40%) presented disc protrusion, and of these 12 dogs, seven (58%) presented more than one protruded disc. Disc protrusion was observed in 3.2% (25/780) of all IVD evaluated. Of the six chondrodystrophic dogs, five (83%) presented disc protrusion. Of the 24 nonchondrodystrophic dogs, seven (29%) presented IVD protrusion. The site that showed the highest frequency of protrusion was L4-L5 (6/25) followed by the L6-L7 region (3/25) and C6-C7 (3/25). Only two of the medullary segments evaluated showed histological changes, with presence of focal lymphocytic infiltration and multifocal mild hemorrhage in the gray matter. Under the conditions of this study, 40% of dogs older than seven years old showed IVD protrusions without showing neurological signs, with no abnormality of the nervous tissue in 92% of the evaluated segments. Thus, the protrusion of the IVD in some dogs, can only be a finding of no clinical relevance.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a presença de protrusão do disco intervertebral (DIV) causando compressão da medula espinhal e/ou raízes da cauda equina em cadáveres de cães, sem histórico de alterações neurológicas. Para isso, após a ocorrência de óbito ou realização de eutanásia em 30 cães com mais de sete anos de idade, sem histórico de alterações neurológicas, foi realizada a laminectomia entre C2 até a vértebra sacral para verificar a presença de protrusões do DIV. Os DIV protrusos foram graduados macroscopicamente quanto à degeneração segundo a escala de Thompson, e o segmentos medular correspondente à localização da compressão foi analisado microscopicamente em busca de lesões compressivas ao tecido nervoso. Quarenta por cento dos cães (12/30) apresentaram protrusão do DIV, e destes, 58% (7/12) apresentavam mais de um DIV protruso. A protrusão estava presente em 3,2% (25/780) de todos os DIV avaliados. Cães de raças condrodistróficas apresentaram protrusões em 83% dos casos (5/6) e raças não condrodistróficas em 29% (7/24). O local que apresentou maior frequência de protrusão foi L4-L5 (6/25), seguido da região L6-L7 (3/25) e C6-C7 (3/25). Apenas dois segmentos medulares avaliados na histopatologia apresentaram alterações, com presença de infiltrado linfoplasmocitário focal e hemorragia discreta multifocal na substância cinzenta. Nas condições do presente estudo, 40% dos cães com mais de sete anos de idade apresentaram protrusões do DIV sem que houvesse sinais neurológicos, com normalidade do tecido nervoso em 92% dos segmentos avaliados. Assim, a protrusão do DIV, em alguns cães, pode ser apenas um achado sem relevância clínica.(AU)

Prognostic significance of Ki67 and its correlation with mitotic index in dogs with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with 19-week CHOP-based protocol.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphoma in dogs. We evaluated Ki67 immunoexpression and mitotic index (MI) in dogs diagnosed with DLBCL and treated with a 19-wk CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) protocol. Twenty-nine lymph node samples from dogs diagnosed with DLBCL were analyzed for Ki67 immunostaining, and positive cells present in 1 cm2 were counted in a grid reticle for comparison of survival times above and below the means. The Ki67 mean was 107, and the MI mean was 21. There was a significant ( p < 0.05) difference in median survival time between Ki67 immunostaining above and below the mean, with no difference in MI groups. Ki67 values >107 positive cells per 5 HPF counted in a grid reticle were associated with shorter survival times in dogs with DLBCL treated with a 19-wk CHOP-based protocol.

Ki-67 labeling in canine perianal glands neoplasms: a novel approach for immunohistological diagnostic and prognostic.

BACKGROUND: The antibody Ki-67 is a reliable and easy tool to accurately assess the growth fraction of neoplasms in humans and animals, and it has been used to predict the clinical outcome. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression pattern of Ki-67 in normal and neoplastic perianal glands of dogs to evaluate the possible use of this proliferation marker as an ancillary method of perianal tumor diagnosis. We studied 42 cases of perianal gland neoplasms including adenomas (n = 15), epitheliomas (n = 15), and carcinomas (n = 12). As controls, 13 tissue samples from normal perianal glands were used. A Ki-67 index was established by a computer-assisted image analysis and compared with manual counting. RESULTS: Out of the 42 cases of perianal gland neoplasms, 34 were from males and eight from females. Recurrence was reported in 14 cases, being higher (8/12) in carcinomas. Immunostaining for Ki-67 revealed that the carcinomas showed a higher proliferation rate (9.87%) compared to groups of epitheliomas (2.66%) and adenomas (0.36%). For adenomas and epitheliomas of the perianal glands the computer-assisted counting and the manual counting gave similar results; however, only the computer-assisted image analysis was efficient to predict the perianal gland carcinoma recurrence. CONCLUSION: Since there were significant differences in the number of Ki-67-positive nuclei, this marker proved to be effective in helping the classification of perianal gland neoplasms and to refine the diagnosis criteria, especially in those samples with high variation in morphology/area. Also, higher Ki-67 index is related to recurrence in cases of perianal gland carcinomas. Further, the computer-assisted image analysis proved to be a fast and reliable method to assess the Ki-67 index in perianal gland neoplasms.

Avaliação da caspase-3 e Ki-67 como marcadores prognósticos nas neoplasias mamárias em cadelas / Evaluation of caspase-3 and Ki-67 as a prognostic markers in canine mammary tumors

A apoptose e a proliferação celular possuem uma participação importante na tumorigênese, determinando o crescimento tumoral e consequentemente sua agressividade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência da apoptose associada a proliferação celular em neoplasias mamárias em cadelas e a elas a evolução clínica do paciente. Setenta animais foram submetidos à exérese cirúrgica do tumor, sendo este submetido ao diagnóstico histopatológico e marcação imuno-histoquímica para caspase-3 e Ki-67. Estes marcadores de apoptose e proliferação celular demonstraram grande expressão nas neoplasias malignas, principalmente nos carcinomas, considerado o mais maligno dos tumores. Estes resultados corroboram os dados da literatura e contribuem para um prognóstico tumoral criterioso que complementa a classificação tumoral existente proporcionando uma melhor e maior sobrevida devido a uma adequação do procedimento terapêutico de cada paciente.

Apoptosis, as a cellular event, has an important participation in tumorigenesis, determining the tumoral growth and aggressiveness. The present study had as objective to evaluate the occurrence of apoptosis, associated cellular proliferation, in canine mammary neoplasias and the patient clinical evolution. Seventy dogs had been submitted to surgical excision of the tumor fragment and they were submitted to the histopathologic diagnosis and imunohistochemistry procedure to caspase-3 and the Ki-67. This apoptosis and cellular proliferation markers demonstrated great expression in malignant neoplasias especially carcinoma, considered the most malignant of the tumors. These results confirm consulted literature contributing for a criterious tumoral prognostic complementing the tumoral classification, providing a greater and better supervened due to adequacy of therapeutic procedure of each patient.