Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low-invasive tests to detect canine mammary tumors
By Xinyi, Luo et al.·Published in Veterinary medicine and science·2025·College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Low-Invasive Biomarkers of Canine Mammary Tumours.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study highlighted that mammary tumors are the most common type of tumors in older female dogs. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial since some of these tumors can be cancerous and have a poor outlook. Low-invasive tests like fine needle aspiration (FNA) and blood tests can help identify these tumors. Researchers have identified several biomarkers that can be tested through these methods, which may improve diagnosis and prognosis. Ongoing research aims to find the best combination of these markers for better outcomes in affected dogs.
People also search for: dog mammary tumor symptoms · canine mammary tumor diagnosis · fine needle aspiration for dog tumors
Abstract
Canine mammary tumours (CMTs) are the most common type of tumours in older bitches. An early, precise and low-invasive diagnosis is essential, due to some CMTs being malignant and having a poor prognosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and blood tests are both low-invasive diagnostic methods that have been used in veterinary medicine. However, the perfect biomarkers should be identified to diagnose and evaluate the prognosis of CMTs. This review focuses on biomarkers that can be tested by FNA or blood samples based on current literature. Until now, the most studied biomarkers of FNAC, such as Ki-67, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), P53, E-cadherin and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Some common blood biomarkers that have been widely studied include lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The novel biomarkers will also be mentioned: cancer stem cells (CSCs), circulating tumour cells (CTCs), miRNAs and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA); they are all useful markers. Copper ion and serum ferritin (SF) are good markers of human breast cancer; they may be candidates of CMTs biomarkers, too. In conclusion, many biomarkers are suitable for diagnosing and/or prognosing CMTs; combining a couple of them can increase the specificity; more detailed research should be done.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40095734/