Histological and immunohistochemical characterization of feline renal cell carcinoma: a case series

J Vet Med Sci. 2016 Jul 1;78(6):1039-43. doi: 10.1292/jvms.15-0697. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Abstract

Four feline renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) were examined using histopathological and immunohistochemical procedures. Specimens were classified by predominant histological pattern according to WHO criteria. A panel of antibodies including β-catenin, C-KIT, VEGF and VEGF-R2 and double immunostaining for vimentin/cytokeratin and for E-cadherin/CD10 was selected to characterize the tumors. Neoplasms were classified as tubular (3/4) and papillary (1/4). Neoplastic epithelial cells were cytokeratin, vimentin, E-cadherin, VEGF-R2 positive and C-KIT negative; 3 cases were β-catenin positive, whereas only 2 tumors were CD10 and VEGF positive. No correlation with histotype was evident. Our results confirm the low frequency of RCCs in cats and suggest a histological pattern similar to canine RCCs. In contrast, a peculiar immunohistochemical profile different from both canine and human RCCs is identified.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / veterinary*
  • Cat Diseases / pathology*
  • Cats
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Male