title: Expression of E-cadherin in canine anal sac gland carcinoma and its association with survival.
abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether an association could be demonstrated between survival and the expression of the adhesion molecule E-cadherin by the neoplastic cells in a group of dogs with anal sac gland carcinomas (ASGCs). Archived formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded primary tumour specimens were obtained for 36 cases of canine ASGC with known clinical management and survival data. Immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate E-cadherin expression by the neoplastic cells and data were evaluated for an association between E-cadherin expression and survival. On univariate analysis, the median survival time for cases with tumours expressing E-cadherin in more than 75% of cells was significantly greater than that for cases with tumours expressing E-cadherin in fewer than 75% of cells (1168 versus 448 days, P = 0.0246). Both E-cadherin expression and presence or absence of distant metastases were significantly associated with survival on multivariate analysis. This study demonstrates that expression of E-cadherin at the cytoplasmic membrane in canine ASGCs is variable and potentially predictive of survival.
authors.affiliation: Davies Veterinary Specialists, Higham Gobion, Herts, UK. gap@vetspecialists.co.uk
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Polton
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Brearley
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Scase