Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Role of Papillomavirus

Munday, J.S., M. Dunowska, and S. De Grey, Detection of two different papillomaviruses within a feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature. N Z Vet J, 2009. 57(4): p. 248-51.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are among the most common malignant skin cancers of cats. There is evidence that papillomaviruses promote SCC development on sun-exposed areas in humans. About 100 papillomaviruses are known in humans, but only a few in dogs and cats. Previous reports have identified papillomaviruses in a certain proportion of canine SCC. This paper describes the identification (using PCR) of viral DNA from two distinct papillomaviruses in an invasive SCC on the nose of a 15-year-old cat. One of the two viruses has never been described before. It is also the first time that multiple papillomaviruses have been detected in a single cancerous lesion in a cat. This finding supports the association between papillomaviruses and SCC in cats. If papillomaviruses influence the development of feline SCC, new approaches to treatment may be possible. [MK]
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Related articles:
Munday, J.S., et al., Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers. Vet Dermatol, 2007. 18(4): p. 241-5.
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Zaugg, N., et al., Detection of novel papillomaviruses in canine mucosal, cutaneous and in situ squamous cell carcinomas. Vet Dermatol, 2005. 16(5): p. 290-8.
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Feline Papillomavirus

Munday, J. S., L. Howe, et al. (2008). "Detection of papillomaviral DNA sequences in a feline oral squamous cell carcinoma." Res Vet Sci 86(2): 359-361.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas constitute 7.5% of all feline cancers, and often lead to death in affected cats. In humans, these tumors are associated with papillomavirus in about 25% of the cases. To investigate the association of papillomavirus with feline oral tumors, 40 oral lesions (20 cancerous, 20 non-cancerous) were examined for viral DNA. Papillomaviral DNA was detected in one oral tumor, but not in any non-cancerous lesion. Finding viral DNA in only one tumor did not indicate a causal relationship. The finding of viral DNA does however indicate additional research into the carcinogenic potential of these viruses in cats is warranted; the carcinogenic potential of papillomaviruses in general and the finding here of viral DNA in a feline oral tumor hints at a possible role. [MK]
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Related articles:
Munday, J. S., M. Kiupel, et al. (2007). "Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 241-5.
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Sundberg, J., M. Van Ranst, et al. (2000). "Feline papillomas and papillomaviruses." Vet Pathol 37(1): 1-10.
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Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Cats

Bexfield, N. H., A. J. Stell, et al. (2008). "Photodynamic Therapy of Superficial Nasal Planum Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Cats: 55 Cases." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 22(6): 1385-1389.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin tumour found in cats. It often affects areas that are non-pigmented and with little hair, such as the nose, eyelids, and ears. Conventional therapies for SCC include surgery and radiation. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer therapy that uses visible light to activate photosensitizer agents that localize in the target tissue. The photosensitizing agent 5-ALA can be administered topically, and has previously been evaluated for feline cancer therapy in a small study. Fifty-five cats with SCC of the nose referred to the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (University of Cambridge, UK) were enrolled in the prospective study. The 5-ALA cream was applied topically every 30 minutes for a period of 6-8 hours. The cats were lightly sedated and medicated for pain, and all wore an Elizabethan collar. Illumination of the lesions was performed with light emitting diodes while the patients were under general anesthesia. Cats were reassessed one month after PDT. Outcomes were defined as complete response, partial response, or no response. Ninety-six percent of the cats responded to therapy, with 85% having a complete response. However, there was a recurrence rate of 51% at a median interval of 157 days. Although PDT does not lead to a complete remission in all SCC cases, it has the benefit of being safe, well tolerated, and cosmetically acceptable.
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Related articles:
Hammond, G. M., I. K. Gordon, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of strontium Sr 90 for the treatment of superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum in cats: 49 cases (1990-2006)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(5): 736-41.
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