Canine cutaneous and subcutaneous soft tissue sarcoma in dogs: a consensus report from the Brazilian association of veterinary oncology

Abstract

Soft tissue Sarcomas (STSs) are malignant mesenchymal neoplasms that affect the body’s connective tissues; they are common in dogs, especially in medium to large breeds and older animals. These tumors have poorly defined margins, making them invasive and prone to local recurrence. They metastasize at low rates and respond poorly to chemotherapy. STSs originate from the precursor of connective tissues, cartilage, and bones, and is characterized by spindle cells, specific histomorphological features, and immunohistochemical markers. Diagnosis and prognosis determination can be challenging due to the diversity of subtypes. International organizations, such as the Oncology Pathology Working Group, aim to standardize canine STS diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to standardize different procedures related to STSs for better comprehension of this tumor group in dogs. The Brazilian Association of Veterinary Oncology (ABROVET) organized a consensus event with Brazilian veterinary oncologists to discuss the main topics related to the STS approach. Thereafter, this document was organized as a literature review with consensus recommendations for clinical management, treatment, and future research.