Association of argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions, Ki-67, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen scores with histologic grade and survival in dogs with soft tissue sarcomas: 60 cases (1996-2002).
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNORs), Ki-67, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) scores were associated with histologic grade and survival in dogs with soft tissue sarcomas (STSs).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
60 dogs with STSs.


METHODS
Medical records were examined and histologic specimens were reviewed. Tissue specimens obtained from archival materials were used to prepare sections for histologic staining for AgNOR and immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and PCNA labeling. Follow-up monitoring was obtained by reevaluation or telephone conversations with referring veterinarians or owners.


RESULTS
27 (45%) STSs were grade 1, 23 (38%) were grade 2, and 10 (17%) were grade 3. The mean and median AgNOR, Ki-67, and PCNA scores were determined, and significant positive associations among AgNOR and Ki-67 scores with histologic grade and mitotic score were detected. Fifty-four dogs had adequate follow-up examinations and were included in survival analysis and evaluation of prognostic factors. Overall median survival time was > 1,306 days. Twelve of 54 (22%) dogs died of tumor-related causes. Metastatic disease developed in 8 of 54 (15%) dogs. Results of univariate analysis indicated that increased mitotic score, increased AgNOR score, increased Ki-67 score, incomplete surgical margins, noncurative intent surgery, Ki-67 score greater than the median Ki-67 score, and AgNOR score greater than the median AgNOR score were prognostic factors for decreased survival time. Results of multivariate analysis indicated that increased AgNOR score was the only prognostic factor for decreased survival time.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggested that AgNORs and possibly Ki-67 should be routinely evaluated with histologic grading for STSs in dogs.
Donaldson-Atwood Cancer Clinic, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Susan N
SN
Ettinger
Timothy J
TJ
Scase
Karen T
KT
Oberthaler
Diane M
DM
Craft
Josephine A
JA
McKnight
Nicole F
NF
Leibman
Sarah C
SC
Charney
Philip J
PJ
Bergman
D000818:Animals; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000662:veterinary*; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016019:Survival Analysis
D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; C051963:nucleolar organizer region associated proteins