A panel of 4 circulating microRNAs (126-5p, 150-5p, 452-5p, and 543) discriminates dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma from those with noncancerous splenic masses.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify a panel of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that accurately discriminates dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma from those with noncancerous splenic masses. METHODS: Serum samples from 10 dogs with hemangiosarcoma and 20 dogs with noncancerous splenic masses were included. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed for 8 candidate miRNAs (miRNA [miR]-126-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-203a-3p, miR-214-3p, miR-452-5p, miR-494-3p, miR-497-5p, and miR-543) and 2 reference genes (miR-16-5p and miR-93-5p). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify a panel of miRNAs diagnostic for hemangiosarcoma. RESULTS: The combination of miR-126-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-452-5p, and miR-543 had an area under the curve of 0.930, a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 90%, and a Youden J of 0.700 for discriminating dogs with hemangiosarcoma from those with noncancerous splenic masses. CONCLUSIONS: This panel of 4 miRNAs can be used to discriminate noncancerous splenic masses from hemangiosarcoma in dogs with splenic masses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ability to determine the nature of a splenic mass prior to surgery will provide veterinarians and their clients with important knowledge prior to surgery. If a mass is not hemangiosarcoma, owners may be more likely to proceed with surgery rather than euthanasia. Knowing that a mass is hemangiosarcoma will provide information to owners on the need for adjuvant therapy following surgery.