title: Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors: A combined clinical and pathologic approach to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.
abstract: In view of the varied biologic behavior and the costs of treatment for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors, development of appropriate treatment plans for individual affected dogs can be difficult, but decisions regarding treatment should be made using a systematic, evidence-based approach. This manuscript reviews the current state of diagnostics and prognostication of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors, and suggests a combined approach based on clinical and pathologic assessment for decision making regarding treatment choices. The current state of histologic grading, evaluation of proliferation indices, evaluation of mutations in the c-kit gene and KIT expression, evaluation of excision and clinical staging are examined. On the basis of the current understanding of prognostication and treatment response, algorithms for selection of local and systemic therapy are presented.
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA. Electronic address: sledged@dcpah.msu.edu.
authors.forename: Dodd G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Sledge
authors.affiliation: Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA.
authors.forename: Matti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kiupel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D034701:Mastocytosis, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Canine; Ki-67; Mast cell tumor; Staging; c-kit