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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2013; 29(3); 673-687; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2013.08.008

Equine melanocytic tumors.

Abstract: Melanomas are among the most common skin tumors in horses, with prevalence rates reaching as high as 80% in adult gray horses. Most melanocytic tumors are benign at initial presentation; however, if left untreated, up to two-thirds can progress to overt malignant behavior. Standard local treatment options can be used to treat solitary early-stage lesions but do not address the underlying risk of recurrent tumor formation or the transformation to a malignant phenotype. An understanding of the specific molecular genetic factors associated with tumor formation should lead to targeted therapies that can be used to treat or ideally prevent disease.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-10-18 PubMed ID: 24267683DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2013.08.008Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article is an investigation into melanomas in horses, discussing the high prevalence especially among adult gray horses, and the progression of these tumors to malignant types if left untreated. It stresses the importance of understanding the genetic factors behind tumor formation, as this could lead to targeted therapies that might prevent or treat the disease.

Overview of Equine Melanocytic Tumors

  • Melanomas, or skin tumors, as the article points out, are a common menace that afflict horses, especially gray horses. The prevalence of this condition in gray horses can spike up to an alarming 80% among adults.
  • At the time of diagnosis, most tumors are benign, posing a lesser risk to the horse’s health. However, if these conditions are overlooked and left to spread unchecked, up to two-thirds of these tumors can exhibit malignant behaviors.

Conventional Treatment Options and Their Limitations

  • Local treatment methods that are typically employed can be effective for treating solitary early-stage lesions. Yet, these approaches do not provide a comprehensive solution as they are unable to address the potential risk of recurrent tumor formation or the progression of these tumors from benign to malignant states.

Importance of Understanding Tumor Formation

  • The paper underscores the importance of gaining a thorough understanding of the specific molecular genetic factors that play a part in the formation of these tumors.
  • Fully comprehending the genetic underpinnings of tumor formation would pave the way to develop targeted therapies that can address the root of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Prospects of Targeted Therapies

  • Insights into the genetic sequences triggering tumor formation could lead to targeted therapies, representing a novel treatment paradigm in combating this condition.
  • With enough research and successful implementation, these therapies could serve to not only treat but ideally prevent the onset of the disease, working towards the comprehensive eradication of melanomas in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Phillips JC, Lembcke LM. (2013). Equine melanocytic tumors. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 29(3), 673-687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2013.08.008

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 1558-4224
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 29
Issue: 3
Pages: 673-687

Researcher Affiliations

Phillips, Jeffrey C
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA. Electronic address: jphill35@me.com.
Lembcke, Luis M

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Horse Diseases / pathology
    • Horse Diseases / therapy
    • Horses
    • Melanocytes / pathology
    • Melanoma / pathology
    • Melanoma / therapy
    • Melanoma / veterinary
    • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
    • Skin Neoplasms / therapy
    • Skin Neoplasms / veterinary

    Citations

    This article has been cited 22 times.
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