Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ki-67 protein levels in cat non-eye melanomas and outcomes
By Silvia Sabattini et al.·Published in BMC Veterinary Research·2018·Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, GB·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of Ki-67 expression in feline non-ocular melanocytic tumours
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study looked at skin and mucosal tumors in cats, specifically non-ocular melanomas (NOMs), which are rare. Researchers found that certain tumor characteristics, like the Ki-67 index (a measure of cell growth), were linked to how aggressive the tumors were. They discovered that tumors with a higher Ki-67 index and specific cell types were more likely to have a poor outcome. Treatment seemed to play a significant role in improving prognosis. Overall, while many of these tumors can be aggressive, understanding their characteristics can help veterinarians assess their severity and decide on the best treatment options.
People also search for: cat skin tumor treatment · feline melanoma prognosis · Ki-67 index in cats
Abstract
Abstract Background Melanomas are rare in cats. The eye is the most commonly involved site, whereas few data are available about feline non-ocular melanomas (NOMs). Ki-67 thresholds with prognostic relevance have been established for canine melanomas, but not in cats. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between Ki-67 index, tumour characteristics, and clinical outcome in feline NOMs. Histologic samples were retrospectively reviewed. Amelanotic tumours were admitted upon immunohistochemical positivity for Melan A or S100. Evaluated parameters included morphological diagnosis, histotype, junctional activity, degree of pigmentation, vascular invasion, lymphocytic infiltrate, necrosis, mitotic count (MC) and Ki-67 index. Pigmented tumours were bleached before evaluation. Clinical and follow-up information were retrieved via telephone interviews with the referring veterinarians. Results Fifty tumours located in skin (n = 33) and mucosae (n = 17) were included. Forty-eight percent and 95% of amelanotic tumours (n = 21) stained positive for Melan A and S100, respectively. Most achromic tumours were mucosal (P < 0.001, Fisher’s exact test) and presented a spindle cell morphology (P = 0.002; Fisher’s exact test). MC and Ki-67 index were significantly correlated (P < 0.001; R = 0.67; Spearman’s rank correlation); median values were 15 (range, 0–153) and 28% (range, 1–78%), respectively. Both were significantly higher in spindle cell melanomas, in tumours lacking junctional activity and in poorly-pigmented tumours. Follow-up information was available for 33 cats (66%). Variables related with a poor clinical outcome included mucosal location, tumour size, spindle, balloon and signet ring cell histotypes, low pigmentation, MC > 5, Ki-67 > 20% and lack of treatment administration. On multivariable analysis, only tumour histotype and treatment retained prognostic significance. Conclusions Although the majority of feline NOMs behave aggressively, Ki-67 index, together with other parameters, may contribute to prognostic assessment. Prospective studies on homogeneous populations are warranted to identify reliable threshold values for this marker.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-018-1639-1