Canine lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies of the lymphoid system. The WHO classification identifies more than 30 different histotypes in dogs and these potentially stem from the functions of the several lymphocyte subsets. However, only a small number of sub-types are generally diagnosed and the boundaries between leukemias and lymphomas are still blurred, such as for acute lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Epidemiology of canine lymphoma is not well defined, but this tumor is by far the most common hematologic malignancy and the second most frequent neoplasia in this species. Despite improved outcomes, relapse or recurrence remains a common problem with conventional therapy. New approaches other than the classical cytotoxic agents have been identified and approved in USA and Europe. Rabacfosadine, a chain-terminating inhibitor of DNA polymerases, showed inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation in dogs with lymphoma and has shown efficacy both in treatment-naïf dogs and in chemo-resistant cases. A different approach has been recently developed in Europe, consisting of Ian immunotherapeutic technology that purifies abnormal molecules synthesized by cancer cells in order to present them and gain their recognition by the canine immune system. Results are encouraging for both treatments but more data are needed to identify solid treatment selection criteria.
Recently, many genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive both T and B-cell lymphoma have been described. Transcriptomic studies have shown similarities between B-cell lymphomas in dogs (mainly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) and the human counterpart. Similar pathways (NF-kB and PI3K) are enriched resulting in potential target for small molecules. Genetic profiling studies have identified mutations and chromosomal aberrations driving this tumor and genes causing predisposition in pure breed dogs have also been pinpointed (Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Boxers).
In order to gain new insight into the canine lymphoma pathogenesis, biology, diagnosis, clinical-pathological features and therapeutic approaches, this Research Topic aims at bringing together contributions from veterinary oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, immunologists and geneticists with documented experience in this field. For this Research Topic, we, therefore, welcome reviews that are focused on the main aspects of this tumor including:
• Cytology;
• Histopathology and clonality tests;
• Flow cytometry;
• Tumour staging;
• Biomarkers;
• Diagnostic imaging;
• Conventional treatments,
• Radiotherapy;
• Surgery;
• Immunotherapy;
• Novel therapy;
• Genetics and genomics;
• Animal model
Canine lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies of the lymphoid system. The WHO classification identifies more than 30 different histotypes in dogs and these potentially stem from the functions of the several lymphocyte subsets. However, only a small number of sub-types are generally diagnosed and the boundaries between leukemias and lymphomas are still blurred, such as for acute lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Epidemiology of canine lymphoma is not well defined, but this tumor is by far the most common hematologic malignancy and the second most frequent neoplasia in this species. Despite improved outcomes, relapse or recurrence remains a common problem with conventional therapy. New approaches other than the classical cytotoxic agents have been identified and approved in USA and Europe. Rabacfosadine, a chain-terminating inhibitor of DNA polymerases, showed inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation in dogs with lymphoma and has shown efficacy both in treatment-naïf dogs and in chemo-resistant cases. A different approach has been recently developed in Europe, consisting of Ian immunotherapeutic technology that purifies abnormal molecules synthesized by cancer cells in order to present them and gain their recognition by the canine immune system. Results are encouraging for both treatments but more data are needed to identify solid treatment selection criteria.
Recently, many genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive both T and B-cell lymphoma have been described. Transcriptomic studies have shown similarities between B-cell lymphomas in dogs (mainly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) and the human counterpart. Similar pathways (NF-kB and PI3K) are enriched resulting in potential target for small molecules. Genetic profiling studies have identified mutations and chromosomal aberrations driving this tumor and genes causing predisposition in pure breed dogs have also been pinpointed (Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Boxers).
In order to gain new insight into the canine lymphoma pathogenesis, biology, diagnosis, clinical-pathological features and therapeutic approaches, this Research Topic aims at bringing together contributions from veterinary oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, immunologists and geneticists with documented experience in this field. For this Research Topic, we, therefore, welcome reviews that are focused on the main aspects of this tumor including:
• Cytology;
• Histopathology and clonality tests;
• Flow cytometry;
• Tumour staging;
• Biomarkers;
• Diagnostic imaging;
• Conventional treatments,
• Radiotherapy;
• Surgery;
• Immunotherapy;
• Novel therapy;
• Genetics and genomics;
• Animal model
