Molecular cytogenetic characterization of canine histiocytic sarcoma: A spontaneous model for human histiocytic cancer identifies deletion of tumor suppressor genes and highlights influence of genetic background on tumor behavior
2011

Canine Histiocytic Sarcoma: A Model for Human Cancer

Sample size: 104 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hedan Benoit, Thomas Rachael, Motsinger-Reif Alison, Abadie Jerome, Andre Catherine, Cullen John, Breen Matthew

Primary Institution: North Carolina State University

Hypothesis

Recurrent DNA copy number aberrations exist in canine histiocytic sarcoma, which may identify regions of the canine genome associated with HS initiation and progression.

Conclusion

Canine histiocytic sarcoma shares many genetic features with human histiocytic malignancies, suggesting it is a valuable model for understanding these cancers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Almost all recurrent CNAs identified were shared between the two breeds.
  • A subset of recurrent genomic imbalances suggested involvement of known cancer-associated genes.
  • The most highly recurrent canine CNAs revealed are evolutionarily conserved with those reported in human histiocytic proliferations.
  • Statistical analyses indicated significant differences in tumor location between breeds.

Takeaway

This study looked at cancer in dogs to help understand similar cancers in people. It found that both share some of the same genetic problems.

Methodology

The study used genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization to assess DNA copy number aberrations in 104 cases of canine histiocytic sarcoma.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the selection of specific breeds and geographic locations.

Limitations

The study is limited by the availability of samples and the focus on only two dog breeds.

Participant Demographics

The study included 104 cases from Bernese Mountain Dogs and Flat-Coated Retrievers, with a mean age of diagnosis of 8.6 years for FCR and 7.7 years for BMD.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-11-201

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