Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in humans and dogs

Abstract

AbstractPheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are described in several species. In humans and dogs they have many similarities: the excessive catecholamine release in hormonally activePCCcauses similar clinical signs, the frequency of metastasis is similar, and they are histopathologically almost identical. Surgery is curative whenPCCandPGLhave not metastasized, while only palliative treatment is possible for patients with metastatic disease. Mutations in succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) are associated with metastatic behaviour in humanPCC/PGLand the same mutation has been described in dogs. The dog might therefore be a suitable model for study of the pathogenesis of metastaticPCCandPGLin humans. Further molecular studies of common tumourigenic pathways and comparative studies of histopathology of human and caninePCCandPGLare warranted.