Cutaneous Hemangiosarcoma Research Articles

Mast cells in canine cutaneous hemangioma, hemangiosarcoma and mammary tumors

Mast cell count (MCC) in 45 dogs with cutaneous hemangioma (HA, n = 12), hemangiosarcoma (HSA, n = 12), mammary adenoma (AD, n = 9) and mammary adenocarcinoma (AC, n = 12) was made using Toluidine blue stained sections. Antibodies against endothelial cell markers, Factor VIII and VEGF were used to visualize and determine the hot spot micro-vessel density (MVD). Total MCC and MCC along the invasive edges were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in canine mammary AC than in AD. The total MCC did not significantly differ (p > 0.05), in HSAs (8.6 +/- 3.3) than in HAs (5.5 +/- 2.8). There is a positive correlation (r = 0.14) between the hot spot MCC and MVD in mammary AC, although not significant (p = 0.3172), indicating that mast cells are associated with angiogenesis in canine mammary AC. This study suggests that mast cells may play an important role in neovascularization of canine cutaneous vascular and mammary neoplasms. Detailed studies encompassing correlation of MCC and MVD with clinical outcomes and prognosis in these neoplasms are recommended.

Local Recurrence of Secondary Hemangiosarcoma Following Breast Radiation Therapy: A Case Report

Secondary breast hemangiosarcomas are a very raremalignancy and usually divided into two subtypes: lym-phedema-associated cutaneous hemangiosarcomas andpostirradiation hemangiosarcomas (PIHs) (1, 2). PIHsare usually found in older women, who performedbreast-conserving therapy and radiation therapy, sever-al years after radiation therapy (1). According to previ-ous reports, PIHs show a low incidence of 0.05-1.11%(2). However, the increasing use of breast-conservingtherapy will predictably lead to an increased number ofPIHs (3). In addition, the rate of local recurrence of PIHsis as high as 73%, and the five-year-survival rate is only10-35% (4). Therefore, a high index of suspicion and anunderstanding of the imaging characteristics about thisdisease entity are necessary when dealing with patientswith PIHs. Here we present mammographic and sono-graphic findings of a case of locally recurred secondaryhemangiosarcoma in the context of prior breast-conser-vation therapy and radiation. Case ReportIn January 2001, a 50-year-old woman underwentbreast-conserving surgery with sentinel node biopsy ofthe ipsilateral axilla for a breast cancer in her rightbreast at our institution. The histologic report showed a1.6 cm, well-differentiated infiltrating ductal carcinoma.The resection margins were free of tumor, but onelymph node had micrometastasis of less than 2 mm. Thefinal TNM classification was T1N0M0. The patient un-derwent adjuvant external radiation therapy in the rightbreast with of 50.4 Gy plus a 9 Gy, as a boosting dose,for a total of 59.40 Gy over 50 days and five cycles of ad-juvant chemotherapy with a cyclophosphamide anddoxorubicin regimen. An annual follow-up mammogra-phy and biannual sonography revealed postoperative orradiation therapy-induced changes with no suspicious

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma in a German Shepherd dog

ABSTRACTA mass taken from the right mandibular region of a 9‐year‐old female German Shepherd dog was presented for histopathological examination. Grossly, the surgically resected 7 × 5 cm mass was dark reddish, poorly circumscribed and had infiltrated the mandibular bone. The cut surface of the mass was characterized by dark reddish parts and multi focal whitish components. Microscopically, the mass revealed locally extensive necrotic lesions with infiltration of inflammatory cells, multifocal hemorrhagic lesions and numerous hemosiderin laden macrophages. Numerous neovascular structures had been formed by atypical neoplastic tumor cells – themselves composed of undifferentiated round, ovoid, and spindle shaped neoplastic cells with pleomorphic, hyperchromatic, large nucleus and scant cytoplasm. The mass also showed abundant mitotic figures, invasions of the neovascular structures by neoplastic epitheloid tumor cells and adjacent tissue, characteristic of malignancy. The neoplastic tumor cells forming neovascular structures originated from vascular endothelial cells, therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as canine cutaneous hemangiosarcoma.

Phase I Clinical Evaluation of Carboplatin in Tumor‐Bearing Cats: A Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group Study

The dosage of carboplatin in cats has been reported anecdotally and experimentally in non-tumor-bearing cats, but the dosage for carboplatin treatment in tumor-bearing cats has yet to be defined in a prospective clinical trial. To determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicosis (DLT) of carboplatin in tumor-bearing cats. CATS: Fifty-nine cats with measurable solid tumors. The starting dose of carboplatin was 160 mg/m(2) of body surface area IV. Doses were increased by 20 mg/m(2) in cohorts of 3-14 cats until the MTD was reached. The 59 cats entered into this multi-institutional phase I study received 1 or more doses of carboplatin at various dosages and were evaluated for toxicity, response to treatment, or both. The MTD was 240 mg/m(2) and neutropenia was the DLT. For the 1st cycle of treatment in 44 cats evaluated for neutropenia, 6 episodes of grade 3 or greater neutropenia occurred on days 7 (n=1), 14 (n=4), and 21 (n=1). There was no evidence of drug-induced nephrotoxicosis or pulmonary edema. Preliminary evidence of antitumor activity was observed in 7 of 59 (11.9%; 95% CI, 5.6-22.8%) cats evaluated for response to treatment. There was 1 complete response (cutaneous hemangiosarcoma) and 6 partial responses (4 injection site sarcomas, 1 oral squamous cell carcinoma, 1 lymphoma). Responses were of short duration (median, 42 days; range, 7-168 days). The dose of carboplatin recommended to treat tumor-bearing cats is 240 mg/m(2) IV every 3-4 weeks.

フェレットの皮膚血管肉腫の1例

In ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), the incidence of hemangiosarcomas is low. Cutaneous hemangiosarcomas in ferrets have been reported as in other organs, but the clinical and diagnostic details are unclear. The present case developed an ulcerative lesion on the dorsal skin of the metatarsal region of the left hindlimb, and the limb was surgically amputated due to exacerbation of the lesion. A diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma was obtained based on histopathological examinations. The examinations revealed proliferation of endothelial celllike pleomorphic cells, which were immunohistochemically positive for Factor YIII-related antigen. The present case achieved long-term survival without recurrence or distant metastasis after six months, and is currently showing good prognosis. We describe details of clinical progress usefulness of immunohistochemical staining, and possibility of good prognosis in a ferret cutaneons hemangiosarcoma.

Feline Cutaneous Hemangiosarcoma: A Retrospective Study of 18 Cases (1998–2003)

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma (HSA) has been infrequently reported in dogs and cats. Medical records of 18 cats diagnosed with cutaneous HSA were reviewed. Age at the time of diagnosis, breed, sex, tumor location, tumor size, treatment type, survival time, disease-free interval, and cause of death were evaluated. Aggressive surgical excision of the tumor was attempted in 10 cats. A complete surgical excision was achieved in five of the 10 cats. Median survival times were statistically longer in cats that underwent surgery versus cats that did not. Cats with cutaneous HSA treated with aggressive surgical excision of their tumors may have a good long-term prognosis.

P‐59 Three cases of opportunistic dermatoses associated with internal diseases in cats

Opportunistic dermatoses can occur in case of immunosuppressive diseases. The first case was a 12‐year‐old domestic short‐haired cat suffering from diabetes with a phaeohyphomycosis due to Scytalidium spp.associated with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. A painless and ulcerated nodule was observed on a digit with fistulous tracts over the metatarsal joint. Histopathological examination of the nodule revealed a hemangiosarcoma in which brownish fungal colonies were found. Itraconazole (5 mg/kg twice daily), then amputation, allowed 12 months of survival (pulmonary metastases). The second case concerned a 13‐year‐old Siamese cat with cheyletiellosisassociated with spontaneous Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus. This cat exhibited scales and miliary dermatitis on the trunk associated with polyuria, polydipsia and a pot‐belly. Acetate tape impression showed Cheyletiella blakei mites and eggs. Blood analysis revealed diabetes mellitus and spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism. The owner refused treatment. The third case was a 14‐year‐old domestic short‐haired cat with generalized demodicosis associated with iatrogenic Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus. Long‐acting glucocorticoids had been used for treatment of plasma cell stomatitis for 5 years. This cat exhibited erythema, scales, self‐induced alopecia, thin skin and moderate pruritus associated with polyuria and polydipsia. Cutaneous lesions principally developed on the abdomen and flanks. Skin scrapings and trichogram showed numerous Demodex cati mites. Routine blood work demonstrated diabetes mellitus and iatrogenic Cushing's disease. Treatment was based on insulin therapy, milbemycin oxime (1 mg/kg once daily) and chlorambucil (0.2 mg/kg once daily). The demodicosis was cured after 4 months, but the cat died of cutaneous and ocular herpesvirus infection 10 months later. Funding: Self‐funded.

Evaluation of recombinant interleukin-2 immunotherapy for human hemangiosarcoma in a SCID mice model (WB-SCID)

We treated the patients with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) immunotherapy that showed clear therapeutic effects. This immunotherapy is popular for the treatment of hemangiosarcoma in Japan. The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical effects in an animal experiment. After establishing a SCID mouse model of human hemangiosarcoma WB-SCID, we used this model to investigate anti-tumor effects of rIL-2 and LAK cells. We demonstrated that hemangiosarcoma cells are LAK-sensitive, and LAK cells induced by rIL-2 suppress the growth of hemangiosarcoma. Our results may assure the clinical effects of rIL-2 immunotherapy on hemangiosarcoma.

Evaluation of ifosfamide for treatment of various canine neoplasms.

lfosfamide (3-[2-chloroethyl]-2[(2 chloroethyl)amino]tetrahydro-2H-1,3,2-oxazaphosphorine 2-oxide) is an alkylating agent with a broad spectrum of antitumor activity. The efficacy and toxicity of ifosfamide were evaluated in 72 dogs with spontaneously occurring tumors. Forty dogs (56%) had lymphoma, 31 (43%) had sarcomas, and 1 had a metastatic carcinoma. Five dogs received ifosfamide at dosages <350 mg/m2 IV. Neither toxicity nor response were observed, and the remaining dogs received ifosfamide at 350 mg/m2 (n = 18) and 375 mg/m2 body surface area IV (n = 49). Saline diuresis and the thiol compound mesna were used to prevent urothelial toxicity. Fifty-two dogs had measurable tumors and could be evaluated for response. Complete responses were seen in 1 dog with metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder and in 1 dog with metastatic cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. One dog with lymphoma had a partial response for 112 days. Six dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma received ifosfamide postsplenectomy and their median survival time was 147 days. The acute dose limiting toxicity was neutropenia 7 days after administration of ifosfamide. The median and mean neutrophil counts 7 days after ifosfamide at 350 mg/m2 were 2,035 cells/microL and 4,773 cells/microL, respectively (n = 12). The median and mean neutrophil counts 7 days after ifosfamide at 375 mg/m2 were 2,500 cells/microL and 3,594 cells/microL, respectively (n = 37). No dog developed clinical or microscopic evidence of hemorrhagic cystitis. Ifosfamide appears safe to use in tumor-bearing dogs, and the evaluation of combination chemotherapy protocols that include ifosfamide should be considered.

Tumors of the Skin and Associated Structures

Because of the location of skin tumors, afflicted dogs and cats are frequently presented to veterinarians for examination. The location also facilitates the use of radiation therapy for patients with skin tumors. Few animals treated with radiation therapy for skin tumors experience significant toxicity. Animals with a variety of skin tumors can benefit from treatment with radiation therapy. These tumors include mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, tumors of the digit, tumors of the ear canal, tumors of the cutaneous adnexa, mammary gland tumors, plasma cell tumors, cutaneous melanoma, cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, and transmissible venereal tumors. The prognosis for individual patients varies with the tumor type and, in some cases, with the stage of the disease.

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis in a horse

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis in a horse

Cutaneous vascular neoplasia in 15 cats: clinical, morphologic, and immunohistochemical studies.

Seven cases of cutaneous hemangioma and nine of cutaneous hemangiosarcoma were diagnosed from biopsy specimens of 15 Domestic Shorthairs of 5,091 cats that were examined by necropsy or biopsy during the 5-year period from 1 January 1986 through 31 December 1990. All but three cats were male. Tumor cells of both hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas were immunoreactive for factor VIII-related antigen and for vimentin by the avidin biotin peroxidase complex method. In cats with a median age of 10 years, hemangiomas occurred in skin with pigmented hair in six of seven cases without apparent site predilection. These solitary tumors did not recur after excision although one cat (No. 3) subsequently developed cutaneous hemangiosarcoma at another site. Seven of nine hemangiosarcomas occurred in dermis and subcutis of the head, usually on the pinna. All five hemangiosarcomas of the head, for which cutaneous pigmentation could be determined, occurred in unpigmented skin. Cats with hemangiosarcoma had a median age of 12.5 years at the time of diagnosis. Metastasis has not been documented, but hemangiosarcoma has recurred, from 1 month to 2 years after excision, in 6/7 cats that were studied.

A retrospective clinicopathologic study of 212 dogs with cutaneous hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas.

The relationship between skin pigmentation and piliation and the development of hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue was studied in 212 dogs. These 212 dogs had a combined total of 306 tumors; 38 of these 212 dogs had two or more of the same tumor in a different location or a combination of hemangioma and hemangiosarcoma. The average age of the dogs at the time of excision of these tumors was greater than 10 years. There was no sex predilection for the presence or absence of tumors. Cutaneous hemangiomas (73%) were more common than cutaneous hemangiosarcomas (27%). Hemangiomas had no predilection for dermis (51%) or subcutaneous tissue (47%), but hemangiosarcomas had a marked predilection for dermis (73%) over subcutaneous tissue (7%). Dogs with short hair coats and lightly pigmented skin had more hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas of the dermis (65%) than did dogs with variable length hair coats and pigmentation (28%). Dogs with short hair coats and lightly pigmented skin had fewer hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas of the subcutaneous tissue (10%) than did dogs with variable length hair coats and pigmentation (22%). Dogs with short hair coats and lightly pigmented skin also had more hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas of ventral glabrous skin (65%) than did dogs with variable length hair coats and pigmentation (22%). In addition, there was no predilection of subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma for haired (33%) versus glabrous (33%) skin, but dermal hemangiosarcoma had a marked predilection for the glabrous skin (63%) when compared with haired skin (10%). The increased incidence of dermal hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas in ventral glabrous skin suggests an association between solar radiation and the biologic properties of glabrous skin in the genesis of these tumors.