Equine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumours Exhibit Variable Differentiation, Proliferation Activity and KIT Expression.
Abstract: Equine cutaneous mast cell tumours (CMCTs) are generally considered to be benign skin lesions, although recurrent and multicentric tumours have been described. For canine CMCTs, grading and prognostic approaches are well established and aberrant KIT expression as well as high proliferation indices are associated with poor outcome. However, in the case of equine CMCTs, morphological features, proliferative activity and KIT expression pattern have not been assessed or related to biological behaviour, and there is discussion as to whether CMCTs are true neoplastic processes. The present study describes 45 equine CMCTs in terms of their morphology and KIT and PCNA expression by immunohistochemistry. KIT expression was classified as membranous (I), cytoplasmic and focally stippled (II) or diffuse cytoplasmic (III). A large proportion of the tumours were multinodular or diffuse dermal infiltrates of mast cells with mild anisokaryosis, a low proliferative rate and a dominance of KIT pattern I, representing well-differentiated CMCTs. In approximately one third of the cases, the mast cells exhibited more infiltrative growth, moderate to marked anisokaryosis and a higher degree of proliferation. These were classified as poorly differentiated CMCTs and exhibited only KIT patterns II and III. These findings indicate that there is a subgroup of poorly differentiated equine CMCTs, in which there is an association between aberrant KIT expression, high proliferative rate and potential aggressive behaviour, all features that confirm at least the poorly differentiated CMCT as a true neoplastic processes.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2015-08-17 PubMed ID: 26292768DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2015.07.006Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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Equine cutaneous mast cell tumours (CMCTs), which are typically benign skin lesions, exhibit variable differentiation, cell proliferation, and KIT expression. The study examines various morphological features, proliferation activity, and KIT expression patterns within these tumours to shed light on the crucial debate over whether these CMCTs are truly neoplastic forms.
Morphology and KIT and PCNA Expression
- The study analysed 45 equine CMCTs for their morphology, and KIT and PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) expressions via immunohistochemistry.
- KIT expression, a crucial marker in many mast cell tumours, was categorized into three different patterns: membranous (I), cytoplasmic and focally stippled (II), or diffuse cytoplasmic (III).
Well-differentiated CMCTs
- A significant portion of the tumours studied were classified as well-differentiated CMCTs. They were primarily multinodular or diffuse dermal infiltrates of mast cells, exhibiting mild anisokaryosis, a low proliferative rate, and predominantly KIT pattern I.
Poorly Differentiated CMCTs
- In approximately one third of the cases, the mast cells showed more infiltrative growth, moderate to severe anisokaryosis, and a higher degree of proliferation.
- These cases were classified as poorly differentiated CMCTs and only exhibited KIT patterns II and III.
Associations and Implications
- The research findings suggest that there is a subgroup of poorly differentiated equine CMCTs. In this subgroup, there is an association between aberrant KIT expression, high proliferative rate, and potential aggressive behavior.
- These findings suggest at least poorly differentiated CMCT as a true neoplastic process. That is, they are not just benign skin lesions but have potential to behave like a tumour, particularly in a poorly differentiated state.
Cite This Article
APA
Ressel L, Ward S, Kipar A.
(2015).
Equine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumours Exhibit Variable Differentiation, Proliferation Activity and KIT Expression.
J Comp Pathol, 153(4), 236-243.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2015.07.006 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, UK. Electronic address: l.ressel@liverpool.ac.uk.
- Division of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, UK.
- Division of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, UK; Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, Zurich, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Proliferation
- Female
- Horse Diseases / metabolism
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Mastocytosis, Cutaneous / metabolism
- Mastocytosis, Cutaneous / pathology
- Mastocytosis, Cutaneous / veterinary
- Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / biosynthesis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / biosynthesis
Grant Funding
- Wellcome Trust
Citations
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