Evaluation of deslorelin implant on subsequent mammary tumors of rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Mammary fibroadenomas are one of the most common tumors of female companion rats (Rattus norvegicus forma domestica). The objectives of this study were to determine if subcutaneous administration of a deslorelin implant following excision of fibroadenomas can prevent or delay development of additional mammary tumors and increase survival in companion rats. Methods Female intact client-owned rats with benign mammary tumors were divided into three groups: no implant (n = 10), placebo implant (n = 10), or 4.7 mg deslorelin implant (n = 10) placed within 2 months of tumor excision. Rats were monitored for subsequent mammary tumors for 10 months following treatment. Expression of estrogen α, progesterone, prolactin, and androgen receptors stained by immunohistochemistry in primary masses of rats included in the deslorelin-treated group was evaluated using the Allred scoring system. Results In the control non-implanted group, four of the 10 rats developed another mammary tumor, including one anaplastic carcinoma. In the control placebo group, five of the 10 rats developed another mammary tumor, including one ductal carcinoma. In the deslorelin-treated group, three of 10 rats developed another mammary tumor, including one adenocarcinoma. Median time between surgery and new mass detection did not differ significantly among groups (55 days in the deslorelin group vs. 77 days in the control placebo group, P = 0.25). Median survival times after surgery did not differ significantly among groups. No correlation was noted between receptor expression and response to treatment with deslorelin. Conclusions and clinical relevance Deslorelin implants placed within 2 months of benign mammary tumor surgical excision were not associated with a decreased risk of developing subsequent mammary tumors, nor with an increased survival in female rats. Further studies are needed to define useful adjunct therapy to surgery.