Damiano Stefanello

Publications

• 1.55

  Impact points

  Metastasizing testicular seminoma in a pet rabbit.

  Barbara Banco, Damiano Stefanello, Chiara Giudice, Massimo D'Acierno, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Valeria Grieco

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 05/2012; 24(3):608-11.

  In the present study, a case of a spontaneously metastasizing seminoma in 9-year-old pet lionhead rabbit is described. The rabbit was presented with unilateral testicular enlargement and a palpable abdominal mass. Spiral computed tomography revealed the presence of an abdominal-pelvic mass in the re... [more] In the present study, a case of a spontaneously metastasizing seminoma in 9-year-old pet lionhead rabbit is described. The rabbit was presented with unilateral testicular enlargement and a palpable abdominal mass. Spiral computed tomography revealed the presence of an abdominal-pelvic mass in the region of the sublumbar lymph nodes. Testes and lymph nodes were collected, fixed in formalin, and submitted for histopathological examination. Microscopically, the normal architecture of the enlarged testis and lymph node was completely replaced by a diffuse malignant seminoma.
• 0.80

  Impact points

  VEGF and MMP-9: biomarkers for canine lymphoma.

  L Aresu, A Aricò, S Comazzi, M E Gelain, F Riondato, M Mortarino, E Morello, D Stefanello, M Castagnaro

  Veterinary and comparative oncology. 04/2012;

  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 are useful biomarkers in human lymphoma. During cancerogenesis, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) stimulates VEGF and MMPs production. VEGF and TGF-β plasma levels were tested by ELISA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by gelatine zy... [more] Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 are useful biomarkers in human lymphoma. During cancerogenesis, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) stimulates VEGF and MMPs production. VEGF and TGF-β plasma levels were tested by ELISA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by gelatine zymography in 37 dogs with lymphoma, 13 of which were also monitored during chemotherapy. Ten healthy dogs served as control. Lymphoma dogs showed higher act-MMP-9 (P < 0.01) and VEGF (P < 0.05), and lower TGF-β than controls, and a positive correlation between act-MMP-9 and VEGF (P < 0.001). Act-MMP-9 and VEGF were significantly higher in T-cell lymphomas, and in stage V compared with stages III-IV disease, regardless of immunophenotype. VEGF was higher in high-grade compared with low-grade T-cell lymphomas. No correlation was found between cytokines levels at presentation and outcome. During chemotherapy, act-MMP-9 and VEGF decreased in B-cell lymphomas (P < 0.01), suggesting a possible predictive role in this group of dogs.
• 1.50

  Impact points

  Medium term endoscopic assessment of the surgical outcome following laryngeal saccule resection in brachycephalic dogs.

  M Cantatore, M Gobbetti, S Romussi, G Brambilla, C Giudice, V Grieco, D Stefanello

  The Veterinary record. 04/2012;

  Laryngeal saccule eversion has been widely reported as an important component of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS). The authors hypothesised that saccules affected by acute histological changes in patients showing marked improvement following palate and nares surgery might spontaneou... [more] Laryngeal saccule eversion has been widely reported as an important component of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS). The authors hypothesised that saccules affected by acute histological changes in patients showing marked improvement following palate and nares surgery might spontaneously return to normal; moreover, spontaneous resolution of the eversion in patients with fibrotic saccules and/or without clinical improvement following BAOS surgery might be impossible and, on the contrary, the persistence of turbulent airflow and associated ongoing inflammation might lead to aberrant tissue proliferation after resection. In order to demonstrate our hypotheses, the authors decided to perform a unilateral sacculectomy and to postpone and assess the need for the execution of the contralateral saccule resection according to the findings of a second-look laryngoscopy. Ten dogs were enrolled. None of the saccules left in situ underwent spontaneous resolution of the eversion. In one dog, after sacculectomy, proliferation of a soft tissue lesion endoscopically similar to a newly formed saccule occurred. The results of the present study suggest that spontaneous resolution of saccule eversion is uncommon, even after the correction of the primary abnormalities (palate, nares). Resection of the saccules can relieve ventral rima glottidis obstruction; however, secondary intention healing might occasionally result in the recurrence of the obstruction.
• 2.17

  Impact points

  Canine cutaneous perivascular wall tumors at first presentation: clinical behavior and prognostic factors in 55 cases.

  D Stefanello, G Avallone, R Ferrari, P Roccabianca, P Boracchi

  Journal of veterinary internal medicine / American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 11/2011; 25(6):1398-405.

  Canine cutaneous perivascular wall tumors (c-PWT) are soft tissue sarcomas recently identified when hemangiopericytomas were reclassified. No previous clinical data are available for c-PWT. To define the clinical behavior and prognostic role of clinical and pathological variables in a homogeneous po... [more] Canine cutaneous perivascular wall tumors (c-PWT) are soft tissue sarcomas recently identified when hemangiopericytomas were reclassified. No previous clinical data are available for c-PWT. To define the clinical behavior and prognostic role of clinical and pathological variables in a homogeneous population of c-PWT. Fifty-five c-PWT in 53 client-owned dogs at first presentation undergoing surgery. Retrospective case series. The endpoint was the relapse of tumor (local and/or distant). The prognostic values of clinical (age, sex, weight, site and tumor size, adjuvant therapy) and pathological (status of surgical margins, histological grade, mitosis, percentage of tumor necrosis) variables were investigated by univariate and bivariate analyses (P < .05). The pattern of associations between variables was explored by multivariate correspondence analysis (MCA). Twelve dogs had a relapse. Ten dogs had local recurrence, 1 had metastatic disease, and 1 had both. The estimated probability of local recurrence was 0.02, 0.08, 0.20, and 0.24 at 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Size of the tumor was a significant prognostic factor while status of margins had only a clinically relevant hazard ratio. In MCA evaluation, young age, tumor size (< 5 cm), grade I, and location in the extremities were associated. Association was also observed for older age, tumor size (> 5 cm), grade II, and other location. C-PWT tend to locally recur a long time after surgery. An early diagnosis of c-PWT associated with small tumor size (< 5 cm) and clean surgical margins ensures a good prognosis independently of histological grade.
• 0.88

  Impact points

  Proximal mandibular nerve block, using electrolocation, for rostral mandibulectomy in a geriatric dog.

  Alessandra M Carotenuto, Giuliano Ravasio, Diego Fonda, Damiano Stefanello

  The Canadian veterinary journal. La revue vétérinaire canadienne. 05/2011; 52(5):515-8.

  We describe a case of proximal mandibular nerve block with ropivacaine, using electrolocation, for perioperative pain management in a geriatric dog undergoing rostral mandibulectomy. The patient did not require intraoperative analgesia or analgesic supplementation for 8 h after the end of the surger... [more] We describe a case of proximal mandibular nerve block with ropivacaine, using electrolocation, for perioperative pain management in a geriatric dog undergoing rostral mandibulectomy. The patient did not require intraoperative analgesia or analgesic supplementation for 8 h after the end of the surgery.
• 1.37

  Impact points

  Sialic Acid and Sialyltransferase Activity in Serum and Tissues of Dogs With Mammary Tumors.

  S Paltrinieri, G Rossi, A Meregalli, D Stefanello, A Pecile, P Moretti, M Rondena

  Veterinary pathology. 03/2011;

  In humans, the glycosylation pattern of serum and of membrane glycoproteins is associated with invasiveness of tumors: specifically, α2,6-sialylation and α2,3-sialylation are associated with metastasizing and nonmetastasizing tumors, respectively. In turn, the type of sialylation depends on the acti... [more] In humans, the glycosylation pattern of serum and of membrane glycoproteins is associated with invasiveness of tumors: specifically, α2,6-sialylation and α2,3-sialylation are associated with metastasizing and nonmetastasizing tumors, respectively. In turn, the type of sialylation depends on the activity of α2,6 or α2,3 sialyltransferase (ST) enzymes. Because of the high prevalence of metastasizing tumors with biological behavior similar to the human counterpart, female dogs with metastasizing neoplasms could provide a good animal model for investigating the potential roles of sialic acid (Sia) and ST enzymes in the pathogenesis of metastatic tumors. The aims of this study were (1) to validate a solid-phase method based on lectin staining of serum and tissue homogenates to investigate sialylation and ST activity and (2) to compare the results obtained with this method and with lectin staining and to collect preliminary information on sialylation and ST activity in dogs with (n = 8) and without (n = 8) mammary tumors. The data recorded in healthy dogs revealed that serum and tissue glycoproteins are prevalently characterized by a α2,6 sialylation, but ST-α2,3 seems to be the most active enzyme in both samples. Sia-α2,3 and ST-α2,3 activity decreases in serum and tissues of dogs with tumors, especially in a dog with metastasis, suggesting that the equilibrium between ST-α2,6 and ST-α2,3 activity shifts toward the former, as reported in humans.
• 1.71

  Impact points

  Predictors of long-term survival in dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma.

  Laura Marconato, Damiano Stefanello, Paola Valenti, Ugo Bonfanti, Stefano Comazzi, Paola Roccabianca, Mario Caniatti, Giorgio Romanelli, Federico Massari, Eric Zini

  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 02/2011; 238(4):480-5.

  To determine factors predicting survival in dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma. Design-Retrospective cohort study. Animals-127 dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma evaluated at 4 veterinary hospitals from 2000 to 2009. Records were reviewed to identify dogs with completely staged high-... [more] To determine factors predicting survival in dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma. Design-Retrospective cohort study. Animals-127 dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma evaluated at 4 veterinary hospitals from 2000 to 2009. Records were reviewed to identify dogs with completely staged high-grade multicentric lymphoma treated with chemotherapy. Data collected included signalment, history, hematologic findings, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcome. Long-term survival was defined as surviving > 2 years after diagnosis. Variables were analyzed for associations with dogs living > 2 years. Among the 127 enrolled dogs, 13 (10%) survived > 2 years with a median survival time of 914 days (range, 740 to 2,058 days). Survival rates at 3, 4, and 5 years were 4%, 3%, and 1 %, respectively. At diagnosis, 11 of the 13 long-term survivors had a body weight ≥ 10 kg, PCV ≥ 35%, absence of ionized hypercalcemia, centroblastic lymphoma, immunophenotype B, absence of bone marrow involvement, and lymphoma stages I through IV and were not previously treated with corticosteroids. The same combination of factors was present in 26 of 114 (23%) dogs surviving ≤ 2 years, yielding a negative predictive value of 97.8% for long-term survivors. Four of the 6 long-term survivors that died during the study died of another cancer; 3 of them had osteosarcoma. Absence of the aforementioned combination of variables at diagnosis may help identify dogs with lymphoma that will not survive > 2 years. Other types of neoplasia, in particular osteosarcoma, may develop in long-term-surviving dogs.
• 0.79

  Impact points

  Subcutaneous embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a dog: cytologic, immunocytochemical, histologic, and ultrastructural features.

  Giancarlo Avallone, Nazaré Pinto da Cunha, Chiara Palmieri, Leonardo Della Salda, Damiano Stefanello, Paola Roccabianca, Mario Caniatti

  Veterinary clinical pathology / American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 11/2010; 39(4):499-504.

  A subcutaneous mass on the left antebrachium of an 11-year-old intact female English Pointer dog was evaluated presurgically by cytologic examination and immunocytochemical staining. The sample consisted of discrete, variably sized, markedly pleomorphic neoplastic cells that expressed vimentin with ... [more] A subcutaneous mass on the left antebrachium of an 11-year-old intact female English Pointer dog was evaluated presurgically by cytologic examination and immunocytochemical staining. The sample consisted of discrete, variably sized, markedly pleomorphic neoplastic cells that expressed vimentin with diffuse cytoplasmic staining, desmin with focal paranuclear staining, and myoglobin with diffuse cytoplasmic staining, consistent with a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. Lymphocytic and histiocytic markers were negative. Aspirates of the enlarged ipsilateral prescapular lymph node were positive for metastatic disease. Surgical excision of the tumor and lymph node were followed by histologic and electron microscopic examination. Histomorphologic appearance of neoplastic cells from the mass and the lymph node paralleled cytologic findings; the histologic diagnosis was round cell variant of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. By ultrastructural evaluation, cells contained numerous mitochondria and masses of cytoplasmic tangled myofilaments, features typical of rhabdomyoblasts. The dog received doxorubicin (30 mg/m(2) ) every 3 weeks for 5 treatments. Local recurrence developed 6 months after resection but was not treated. Despite a guarded prognosis and untreated local recurrence, the dog was still alive 18 months after surgery. Cytologic evaluation and immunocytochemical staining were pivotal for the presurgical diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma.
• 1.55

  Impact points

  Immunohistochemical investigation of PNL2 reactivity of canine melanocytic neoplasms and comparison with Melan A.

  Chiara Giudice, Fabrizio Ceciliani, Marco Rondena, Damiano Stefanello, Valeria Grieco

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 05/2010; 22(3):389-94.

  PNL2 is a recently generated monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes normal and neoplastic melanocytes. Although the antigen recognized by PNL2 remains unknown, recent studies of human and mouse melanomas have confirmed its usefulness as a diagnostic marker. In the current study, the immunoreactiv... [more] PNL2 is a recently generated monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes normal and neoplastic melanocytes. Although the antigen recognized by PNL2 remains unknown, recent studies of human and mouse melanomas have confirmed its usefulness as a diagnostic marker. In the current study, the immunoreactivity of PNL2 in canine melanomas was tested and compared with Melan A (A103). Validation of PNL2 was performed by Western blot analysis. PNL2 and Melan A immunoreactivity were tested on frozen samples of canine melanomas and on 69 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded melanocytic neoplasms. Normal canine tissues and nonmelanocytic neoplasms were included as negative controls. Western blot confirmed the presence of a protein recognized by the PNL2 antibody in canine melanomas. Immunohistochemically, PNL2 stained the melanocytic neoplastic cells with an intracytoplasmic, granular pattern. Among the melanocytic neoplasms tested, 62% stained positively with PNL2 and 59% with Melan A; 50.7% stained positively with both mAbs. The overall percentage of neoplasms that stained positively with at least 1 of these 2 antibodies was 68%. The extent of staining (i.e., the percentage of cells stained per specimen) was greater with PNL2 than with Melan A. With both mAbs, staining was most intense and diffuse in the epithelioid cell phenotype. Neither nonspecific staining nor staining in cells other than melanocytes was detected with either mAb. In contrast to human granulocytes, canine granulocytes were negative by both Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. PNL2 mAb proved to be highly specific for the identification of formalin-fixed canine melanocytic neoplasms and should be a valuable diagnostic reagent.
• 0.88

  Impact points

  Sinonasal tumor in 3 dogs after successful topical treatment for frontal sinus aspergillosis.

  Valentina Greci, Damiano Stefanello, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Carlo M Mortellaro

  The Canadian veterinary journal. La revue vétérinaire canadienne. 11/2009; 50(11):1191-4.

  Three dogs diagnosed with aspergillosis developed sinonasal tumors several months after successful treatment with topical clotrimazole solution. Chronic rhinosinusitis was also detected in all cases prior to diagnosis of sinonasal tumors. The inflammatory response to Aspergillus, clotrimazole treatm... [more] Three dogs diagnosed with aspergillosis developed sinonasal tumors several months after successful treatment with topical clotrimazole solution. Chronic rhinosinusitis was also detected in all cases prior to diagnosis of sinonasal tumors. The inflammatory response to Aspergillus, clotrimazole treatment, and chronic inflammation after treatment are discussed as possible neoplastic promoting factors.
• 1.71

  Impact points

  Prognostic factors for dogs with mammary inflammatory carcinoma: 43 cases (2003-2008).

  Laura Marconato, Giorgio Romanelli, Damiano Stefanello, Claudio Giacoboni, Ugo Bonfanti, Giuliano Bettini, Riccardo Finotello, Sara Verganti, Paola Valenti, Luigia Ciaramella, Eric Zini

  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 10/2009; 235(8):967-72.

  OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of dogs with inflammatory carcinoma (IC) and identify patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related factors associated with overall survival time. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 43 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Records o... [more] OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of dogs with inflammatory carcinoma (IC) and identify patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related factors associated with overall survival time. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 43 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Records of dogs with a clinical diagnosis of IC that had histologic evidence of dermal lymphatic invasion were reviewed. Data on clinical staging, treatment, toxicoses, response, and survival time were retrieved. Results-26 (60%) dogs had primary IC and 17 (40%) had secondary IC. Thirty-five (81%) dogs had distant metastases and 2 (5%) had local metastases at the time of initial examination. Six of 29 (21%) dogs had a coagulopathy. Sixteen (37%) dogs did not receive specific treatment for IC, 24 (56%) received medical treatment only, 2 (5%) underwent surgical excision and received medical treatment, and 1 (2%) underwent surgical excision only. Forty-one (95%) dogs had progressive disease, and 2 (5%) had stable disease. Mean survival time for all dogs was 60 days (range, 1 to 300 days). Dogs with a coagulopathy survived a significantly shorter time than did dogs without a coagulopathy (odds ratio, 0.28), and dogs that received medical treatment survived significantly longer than dogs that did not (odds ratio, 2.54). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that mammary IC is a biologically aggressive condition in dogs associated with a guarded prognosis. In addition, results suggested that medical treatment may improve outcome, thereby supporting its use in dogs with IC.
• 2.32

  Impact points

  Feline injection-site sarcoma: Recurrence, tumour grading and surgical margin status evaluated using the three-dimensional histological technique.

  Chiara Giudice, Damiano Stefanello, Marcello Sala, Matteo Cantatore, Fulvia Russo, Stefano Romussi, Olga Travetti, Mauro Di Giancamillo, Valeria Grieco

  Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997). 10/2009;

  The three-dimensional histology technique is used in human medicine for the evaluation of complete lateral and deep surgical margins. In this study, the technique was applied to 48 excised feline injection-site sarcoma specimens. The predictive value of the histological margin status and tumour grad... [more] The three-dimensional histology technique is used in human medicine for the evaluation of complete lateral and deep surgical margins. In this study, the technique was applied to 48 excised feline injection-site sarcoma specimens. The predictive value of the histological margin status and tumour grading on local recurrence was investigated. In 32/48 cases, the margins were non-infiltrated, whilst in the remaining 16 cases, they were infiltrated. Overall, 6/32 (19%) tumours with non-infiltrated margins and 11/16 (69%) with infiltrated margins recurred. Tumours with infiltrated margins recurred about 10 times more frequently compared to tumours with non-infiltrated margins (P=0.0011). No statistically significant correlation was observed between grading and recurrence. The assessment of margin status using the 3D histology technique showed a good predictivity for post-surgical tumour recurrence. Extensive application of the 3D histology technique is recommended to standardise the evaluation of histological margins and to allow comparison between results from different laboratories.
• 2.17

  Impact points

  Ultrasound-Guided Cytology of Spleen and Liver: A Prognostic Tool in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor.

  D Stefanello, P Valenti, S Faverzani, V Bronzo, V Fiorbianco, N Pinto da Cunha, S Romussi, M Cantatore, M Caniatti

  Journal of veterinary internal medicine / American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 07/2009;

  Background: In the clinical staging of cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCT), the diagnosis of metastasis is controversial based on cytological examination of lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and blood. Objectives: To define the prognostic role of ultrasound-guided cytology of spleen and liver i... [more] Background: In the clinical staging of cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCT), the diagnosis of metastasis is controversial based on cytological examination of lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and blood. Objectives: To define the prognostic role of ultrasound-guided cytology of spleen and liver in cMCT. The results of cytological evaluation were compared in relation with survival time. Animals: Fifty-two client-owned dogs with a diagnosis of cMCT. Methods: Selection of cases was based on cytological evaluation of liver and spleen to detect infiltration at distant sites. The Kaplan Meier method was used to compare survival in dogs with and without infiltration of spleen and liver (log-rank test P < .05). Results: Ten dogs with cMCT had mast cell infiltration of spleen, liver, or both and 4 of these dogs had involvement of the regional lymph nodes. The majority of dogs had 2 or more ultrasonographically abnormal findings simultaneously in spleen and liver. Nine dogs had grade II cMCT, and 1 had grade III cMCT. Dogs with positive evidence of mast cell infiltration to spleen, liver, or both had shorter survival times (34 versus 733 days) compared with dogs negative for mast cell infiltration at distant sites. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Dogs with evidence of mast cell infiltration at distant sites have a shorter survival times than dogs without evidence of infiltration at distant sites. This study suggests that cytology of spleen and liver is indicated either for ultrasonographically normal or for ultrasonographically abnormal spleen and liver in dogs with cMCT.
• 1.57

  Impact points

  Marginal excision of low-grade spindle cell sarcoma of canine extremities: 35 dogs (1996-2006).

  Damiano Stefanello, Emanuela Morello, Paola Roccabianca, Selina Iussich, Claudia Nassuato, Marina Martano, Chiara Squassino, Giancarlo Avallone, Stefano Romussi, Paolo Buracco

  Veterinary surgery : VS : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. 08/2008; 37(5):461-5.

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate recurrence rate and disease-free interval (DFI) of dogs with low-grade soft tissue spindle cell sarcoma of the extremities treated by marginal excision. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=35) with soft tissue low-grade spindle cell sarcoma. METHODS: Medical re... [more] OBJECTIVE: To evaluate recurrence rate and disease-free interval (DFI) of dogs with low-grade soft tissue spindle cell sarcoma of the extremities treated by marginal excision. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=35) with soft tissue low-grade spindle cell sarcoma. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed and dogs that had marginal surgical resection of low-grade soft tissue spindle cell sarcoma at or distal to elbow and stifle were included. RESULTS: Histopathologic margins were dirty (12 dogs), clean but close (12), and clean (11). Follow-up after surgery occurred from 210 to 2202 days (minimum, 180 days). Local recurrence and metastatic rates were 10.8% and 0%, respectively. Median DFI and survival time were not reached, because <50% of dogs died of disease-related events. Mean DFI and mean survival time were 697.8 days (95% CI: 559.7-836 days) and 703.5 days (95% CI: 566.6-840.5 days), respectively. There were no significant differences among survival functions stratified by histologic margins. CONCLUSION: Marginal surgical excision without adjuvant treatment of low-grade soft tissue spindle cell sarcoma of the extremities results in a low local recurrence rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low-grade spindle cell sarcomas located at or distal to the elbow and stifle joints can be excised without need for wide or radical surgery.
• 0.80

  Impact points

  Cytosine arabinoside in addition to VCAA-based protocols for the treatment of canine lymphoma with bone marrow involvement: does it make the difference?

  L Marconato, U Bonfanti, D Stefanello, M R Lorenzo, G Romanelli, S Comazzi, E Zini

  Veterinary and comparative oncology. 06/2008; 6(2):80-9.

  Cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) is a component of many protocols for the treatment of acute leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphomas in humans. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of ara-C in a myeloablative regimen in a cohort of canine lymphomas with bone marrow involvement. Se... [more] Cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) is a component of many protocols for the treatment of acute leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphomas in humans. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of ara-C in a myeloablative regimen in a cohort of canine lymphomas with bone marrow involvement. Seventeen dogs were enrolled. Eight were treated with a VCAA-based protocol (Group 1) and nine with the same regimen added with ara-C (Group 2). Ara-C was administered on a 5-day schedule as an i.v. continuous infusion at the dose of 150 mg m(-2) per day for five consecutive days. During treatment complete remission (CR) was achieved in two dogs in Group 1 and in eight dogs in Group 2. CR rate was significantly higher in Group 2 (P < 0.01). Median survival was 72.5 days (range 6-174) in Group 1 and 243 days (range 73-635) in Group 2. Survival was significantly longer in Group 2 (P < 0.001). Both protocols were well tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events. Ara-C added to a VCAA-based protocol appears to be safe and beneficial in dogs with stage V lymphoma. Incorporation of the nucleoside analogue might be crucial for the development of future therapeutic strategies in dogs.
• 1.37

  Impact points

  The spectrum of canine cutaneous perivascular wall tumors: morphologic, phenotypic and clinical characterization.

  G Avallone, P Helmbold, M Caniatti, D Stefanello, R C Nayak, P Roccabianca

  Veterinary pathology. 10/2007; 44(5):607-20.

  Perivascular wall tumors (PWTs) are defined as neoplasms deriving from mural cells of blood vessels, excluding the endothelial lining. The spectrum of human cutaneous PWT includes glomus tumor, hemangiopericytoma (HEP), myopericytoma, angioleiomyoma/sarcoma, angiomyofibroblastoma, and angiofibroma. ... [more] Perivascular wall tumors (PWTs) are defined as neoplasms deriving from mural cells of blood vessels, excluding the endothelial lining. The spectrum of human cutaneous PWT includes glomus tumor, hemangiopericytoma (HEP), myopericytoma, angioleiomyoma/sarcoma, angiomyofibroblastoma, and angiofibroma. The purpose of this study was to revise clinical presentation, cytology, histopathology, and immunohistology of canine cutaneous PWT with cytology typical of canine HEP. Diagnosis was established on the basis of vascular growth patterns (staghorn, placentoid, perivascular whorling, bundles from media) and immunohistology, including 7 smooth muscle markers and the cell membrane ganglioside of unknown origin recognized by the antibody 3G5 (CMG-3G5). Twenty cases were included. Ages ranged from 6 to 13 years; 12 dogs were males and 8 were females, and there was a prevalence of crossbreeds. Tumors arose from a single site with preferential acral location (10/20). Cytology revealed moderate to high cellularity in all cases, cohesive groups of cells (19/20), capillaries (18/20), and bi- to multinucleated cells (18/20). Six myopericytomas, 5 angioleiomyomas, 2 angioleiomyosarcomas, 2 HEP, 1 angiofibroma, and 1 adventitial tumor were identified. A definitive diagnosis was not possible in 3 cases. Smoothelin, heavy caldesmon, desmin, myosin, calponin, and CMG-3G5 were the most valuable markers to differentially diagnose canine PWT. Similar to reports in humans, canine HEP embodied a spectrum of neoplastic entities arising from different vascular mural cells. Before canine PWTs are assimilated into one prognostic category, a consistent classification and characterization of their biology is necessary. As proposed in humans, HEP should also be considered a diagnosis of exclusion in dogs.
• 1.73

  Impact points

  The distribution of oestrogen receptors in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic canine prostate, as demonstrated immunohistochemically.

  V Grieco, E Riccardi, M Rondena, S Romussi, D Stefanello, M Finazzi

  Journal of comparative pathology. 08/2006; 135(1):11-6.

  The role of oestrogens and their receptors (ERs) in prostatic growth and differentiation and in the progression of prostatic carcinoma has been well investigated in human medicine. In dogs, however, available reports on the expression of ERs in normal, hyperplastic or neoplastic prostates are few an... [more] The role of oestrogens and their receptors (ERs) in prostatic growth and differentiation and in the progression of prostatic carcinoma has been well investigated in human medicine. In dogs, however, available reports on the expression of ERs in normal, hyperplastic or neoplastic prostates are few and controversial, or completely lacking. Three normal, three hyperplastic and nine neoplastic canine prostates were examined histologically, and immunohistochemically with a polyclonal antibody directed against human ERs. Evaluation of the percentage of immunolabelled cells was performed by digital image analysis. The study showed that ERs were expressed in the nuclei of epithelial and stromal cells in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic prostates. All nuclei in normal and hyperplastic prostates were strongly and homogeneously immunolabelled by the antibody used. However, the percentages of immunolabelled nuclei in the nine prostatic carcinomas were greatly reduced, ranging from 36.34% to 66.73%. The severe loss of ER expression in canine prostatic carcinomas may account for the relative lack of differentiation of these tumours in the dog.
• 1.55

  Impact points

  Expression of c-kit proto-oncogene in canine mastocytoma: a kinetic study using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

  Lauretta Turin, Fabio Acocella, Damiano Stefanello, Angelo Oseliero, Danilo Fondrini, Stefano Brizzola, Federica Riva

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 08/2006; 18(4):343-9.

  KIT receptor, the c-kit gene product, is thought to play a major role in canine mastocytoma, one of the most common neoplastic diseases in dogs. In the present study, the expression of c-kit proto-oncogene in blood and in tumor biopsies from 41 dogs with histologically confirmed mastocytoma at diffe... [more] KIT receptor, the c-kit gene product, is thought to play a major role in canine mastocytoma, one of the most common neoplastic diseases in dogs. In the present study, the expression of c-kit proto-oncogene in blood and in tumor biopsies from 41 dogs with histologically confirmed mastocytoma at different grades of cellular differentiation and 5 negative control dogs was investigated using real-time (quantitative) reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR). The animals were followed up for over 1 year after surgery in order to characterize the kinetics of c-kit expression in blood. Transcript mRNAs extracted from blood at different time points after surgery and from tumor tissue surgically removed from each dog were used in a quantitative RRT-PCR assay targeting the extracellular coding region of the c-kit gene. Tissues constitutively expressing c-kit (brain and spleen) were used as positive controls. Levels of expression of c-kit were higher in tumor biopsies than in blood; the blood level decreased in the patients between 1 and 3 months after surgery. No KIT expression was detected in blood from the 5 dogs not affected by mastocytoma (negative controls). The RRT-PCR appears to be a suitable method for sensitive and quantitative detection of c-kit gene expression in canine blood and neoplastic tissues. Although c-kit expression levels measured by RRT-PCR do not correlate with prognosis, they confirm that surgery remains the main treatment to reduce circulating mastocytes and that circulating mast cells can be detected even in benign highly differentiated forms of mastocytoma such as grade I.
• 0.79

  Impact points

  Correlation between fine-needle aspiration cytology and histopathology in the evaluation of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses from dogs and cats.

  G Ghisleni, P Roccabianca, R Ceruti, D Stefanello, W Bertazzolo, U Bonfanti, M Caniatti

  Veterinary clinical pathology / American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 04/2006; 35(1):24-30.

  BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is commonly used as a diagnostic procedure to evaluate superficial and deep masses in animals. However, few studies have addressed the accuracy of FNAC in the evaluation of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses in a clinical setting. OBJECTIVE: The purp... [more] BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is commonly used as a diagnostic procedure to evaluate superficial and deep masses in animals. However, few studies have addressed the accuracy of FNAC in the evaluation of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses in a clinical setting. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of FNAC as compared with histopathology in the diagnosis of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses from dogs and cats. METHODS: Cytologic and histopathologic specimens obtained between 1999 and 2003 from 292 palpable cutaneous and subcutaneous masses obtained from 242 dogs and 50 cats were retrospectively evaluated. Cytologic samples were obtained by FNA and histopathologic samples were collected by surgical biopsy or at necropsy. Concordance was determined and the accuracy of FNAC for the diagnosis of neoplasia was determined using histopathology as the gold standard. RESULTS: Of 292 specimens, 49 (from 44 dogs and 5 cats) were excluded due to poor cellularity of the cytologic specimen (retrieval rate 83.2%, n = 243). A cytologic diagnosis of neoplasia was obtained in 176 cases (175 true positives and 1 false positive compared with histopathology). Sixty-seven cytology samples were classified as non-neoplastic (46 true negatives, 21 false negatives compared with histopathology). Overall, the cytologic diagnosis was in agreement with the histopathologic diagnosis in 90.9% (221/243) of cases. For diagnosing neoplasia, cytology had a sensitivity of 89.3%, a specificity of 97.9%, a positive predictive value of 99.4%, and a negative predictive value of 68.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirmed FNAC as a reliable and useful diagnostic procedure for the evaluation of palpable cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions in small animal practice.
• 1.55

  Impact points

  A study of mutations in the c-kit gene of 32 dogs with mastocytoma.

  Federica Riva, Stefano Brizzola, Damiano Stefanello, Simone Crema, Lauretta Turin

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 08/2005; 17(4):385-8.

  Mutations in the intracellular juxtamembrane domain of the c-kit gene in 32 dogs with different grades of histologically confirmed mastocytoma were studied. Transcript RNAs extracted from neoplastic tissue surgically collected from dogs of different breeds and from a negative control were reverse tr... [more] Mutations in the intracellular juxtamembrane domain of the c-kit gene in 32 dogs with different grades of histologically confirmed mastocytoma were studied. Transcript RNAs extracted from neoplastic tissue surgically collected from dogs of different breeds and from a negative control were reverse transcribed into complementary DNA and amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The region corresponding to the c-kit juxtamembrane domain was sequenced and compared with GenBank sequences. Two different types of mutations were identified within exon 11: a previously underscribed single-nucleotide substitution and a 6-bp deletion. The c-kit juxtamembrane domain sequences of all dogs were grouped in 3 clusters. No mutations were detected in tissues constitutively expressing c-kit (cerebellum and spleen), obtained from dogs not affected by mastocytoma (controls). All the substitutions were found in dogs bearing grade I or II mast cell tumors; the deletion was detected in 1 dog with grade II mastocytoma.