Introduction

This study aimed at evaluating the behavior and understanding the diagnostic value of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in bitches with mammary carcinoma as a tool for monitoring and prognosis of canine cancer patients.

Methods

Serum samples from 77 bitches were divided into four groups, G1 (n=21), control group (healthy/neoplasia free bitches); G2 (n=31), bitches with non-metastatic mammary carcinoma less than 3 cm; G3 (n=12), bitches with non-metastatic mammary carcinoma greater than 3 cm; and, G4 (n=13) bitches with mammary carcinoma and lymph node metastasis. The marker was dosed once in G1, whereas in G2, G3 and G4, CEA levels were determined before (M0) and 15 days after (M1) mastectomy, using the ELISA kit for humans while reading used ELISYS ONE human. A group of 11 bitches was followed up 45 days after mastectomy (M2).

Results

CEA values increased significantly in bitches with mammary carcinoma, metastatic tumors with a diameter larger than 3.0 cm and high grade, compared with healthy ones. In addition, mastectomy reduced the CEA concentration in the blood (P<0.05) whereas high CEA levels were associated with unfavorable prognostic factors (P<0.05). The biomarker presented good diagnostic value, especially for more aggressive tumors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CEA serum concentrations allowed to follow efficiently the evolution of mammary tumors in bitches, since CEA values increased in bitches with mammary gland tumour and decreased after mastectomy while correlating with prognostic factors such as tumour size, nodal metastasis and histological grade.

Funding Information

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Grant/Award Numbers: 2015/15015-9, 2016/00128-5