Feline mammary basal-like adenocarcinomas: a potential model for human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with basal-like subtype

Abstract

Background

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an immunophenotype defined by the absence of immunolabeling for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 protein, has a highly aggressive behavior. A subpopulation of TNBCs exhibit a basal-like morphology with immunohistochemical positivity for cytokeratins 5/6 (CK5/6) and/or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and have a high incidence of BRCA (breast cancer susceptibility) mutations. Feline mammary adenocarcinomas (FMAs) are highly malignant and share a similar basal-like subtype. The purpose of this study was to classify FMAs according to the current human classification of breast cancer that includes evaluation of ER, PR and HER2 status and expression of basal CK 5/6 and EGFR. Furthermore, we selected triple negative, basal-like FMAs to screen for BRCA mutations similar to those described in human TNBC.

Methods

Twenty four FMAs were classified according to the current human histologic breast cancer classification including immunohistochemistry (IHC) for ER, PR HER2, CK5/6 and EGFR. Genetic alteration and loss of heterozygosity of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were analyzed in triple negative, basal-like FMAs.

Results

IHC for ER, PR and HER2 identified 14 of the 24 (58%) FMAs as a triple negative. Furthermore, 11of these 14 (79%) triple negative FMAs had a basal-like subtype. However, no genetic abnormalities were detected in BRCA1 and BRCA2 by direct sequencing and loss of heterozygosity analysis.

Conclusion

FMAs are highly aggressive neoplasms that are commonly triple negative and exhibit a basal-like morphology. This is similar to human TNBC that are also commonly classified as a basal-like subtype. While sequencing of a select number of triple negative, basal-like FMAs and testing for loss of heterozygosity of BRCA1 and BRCA2 did not identify mutations similar to those described in human TNBC, further in-depth evaluation is required to elucidate a potential role of BRCA in the tumorigenesis of triple negative, basal-like FMAs. The strong similarities in clinical behavior, morphology and IHC phenotype suggest that triple negative, basal-like FMAs may be a suitable spontaneous animal model for studying novel therapeutic approaches against human basal-like TNBC.

Background

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm in women, with approximately 230,480 new cases and 39,520 deaths occurring in 2011 in the United States [1]. The disease is complicated by its diverse pathogenesis, and by large phenotypic variations. Classification systems based entirely on morphologic criteria are yielding to new classifications based that also include molecular and immunophenotypic markers [2] to more accurately diagnose and prognostic breast cancer. The most recent classification system classifies human breast cancers into at least five prognostically significant subtypes, including estrogen receptor-positive luminal A and B subtypes, HER2 overexpression subtype, normal breast-like and basal-like subtype [3]. A variety of immunohistochemical markers have been proposed to define a basal-like subtype [4,5]. Expression of one or more high molecular weight basal cytokeratins (CK5/6, CK14, and CK-17) and/or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are most commonly accepted to identify basal-like differentiation [6]. Furthermore, a large percentage of basal-like breast cancers lack expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), as well as HER2 (‘triple negative’ immunophenotype) [7]. While basal-like breast cancer has the worst clinical outcome measured in time to development of distant metastasis [8], there is still some controversy on the histologic classification of this subtype regarding whether triple negative status is required for making the diagnosis of basal-like carcinoma. Some investigations have indicated that 77% of basal-like breast cancers are triple negative (TNBC) and 71%-91% of TNBC have basal-like phenotype [9]. Research has focused especially on TNBC since they tend to have a poor prognosis with a high risk of distant metastasis and death within the first 3–5 years after the diagnosis [10] and no effective treatment is currently available. Furthermore, TNBC have a high incidence in younger, premenopausal patients with higher prevalence in African-American women, and are associated with germ-line BRCA1 mutations [11].

Feline mammary tumors are the third most common tumors in the cat, and most tumors are malignant. Feline mammary tumors are predominantly adenocarcinomas [12], with sarcomas and other non-epithelial tumors occurring less frequently. Feline mammary adenocarcinomas (FMAs) are most commonly classified as in-situ or invasive carcinomas, the latter consisting of tubulopapillary, cribriform and anaplastic types. Less common varieties include spindle cell carcinoma, lipid rich carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma and tumors with squamous differentiation [13]. However, little work has been done to characterize feline mammary tumors based on new concepts of breast cancer classification as applied to human tumors.

Various parameters have been applied for prognostication of FMAs including the size of tumors, histological grading, lymph node involvement, and expression of proliferation markers [14]. Due to the similarities between human breast cancer and FMAs in regard to epidemiology, clinical behavior, pattern of metastasis, and histological features, various studies have been suggested that FMAs are a potential model of human breast cancer [15,16].

Aberrant expression of hormonal receptors ER and PR and overexpression of HER2 have also been described in feline mammary tumors. The majority of feline mammary tumors are ER-negative [17] and lack HER2 overexpression [18]. In addition, the majority of feline mammary carcinomas are ER- and PR-negative as studied by ligand-binding assay [19,20] as well as by immunohistochemistry [21-23]. Controversy exists with respect to the proportion that express HER2 [18,24,25]. However, only a few studies have evaluated feline mammary tumors as a potential model for human TNBC [26].

In humans, breast cancer-susceptibility 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer-susceptibility 2 (BRCA2) genes have been found to be mutated in a large number of early-onset breast or ovarian cancers [27,28]. Somatic loss of heterozygosity (LOH), which is the loss of a normal functioning allele at the heterozygous locus, is one of the genetic alterations associated with breast cancer initiation and progression [29]. Especially in patients that carry germ line mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, acquired LOH of the wild-type allele, corresponding to recessive loss-of-function mutations, will lead to hereditary breast cancer [30]. Studies in humans have shown that breast cancer with BRCA1 mutations and less commonly BRCA2 mutations display predominantly a triple negative immunophenotype with distinct basal-like subtype [31,32]. More than 75% of tumors arising in women carrying a BRCA1 mutation display a triple-negative immunophenotype, a basal-like subtype, or both [33].

In the current study, a series of twenty four feline mammary adenocarcinomas were evaluated according to the current human histologic breast cancer classification, and the TNBC immunophenotype and basal-like subtypes were identified by immunohistochemical expression of ER, PR, and HER2, as well as basal cytokeratins CK5/6 and EGFR. In addition the histologic growth pattern, tumor grade, presence of necrosis, presence of microcalcification, and lymphocytic reaction associated with the tumor were evaluated. Further investigation of genetic alteration and loss of heterozygosity in BRCA1 and BRCA2 were conducted in feline triple negative, basal-like mammary adenocarcinomas to determine whether the presence of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations was associated with this phenotype similar to the observations in human breast cancer.

Methods

Cases

Twenty four cases of feline mammary adenocarcinomas were retrieved from the archives of the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University. All cases had been submitted over a 3 year time span from 01/01/2004 until 12/12/2007. Biopsy samples from 24 cats were included in the study based on a previously confirmed histopathological diagnosis of FMAs, sufficient archival material in high quality (absence of extensive necrosis or autolysis) and histologically unremarkable mammary tissue in the same or in additional paraffin blocks. Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 12 years (range, 6 to 19 years). Of the 24 cats, 18 were spayed female, 4 were intact female, 1 was castrated male, and 1 was of unidentified gender. These cases represented approximately 80% of malignant feline mammary tumors over the archival time span.

Histological grading

Representative formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were recut at a thickness of 4 microns and were stained routinely with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic evaluation. Tumors were histopathologically classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) [13], and the three most predominant growth patterns were recorded. Tumor grading was performed by the Nottingham modification of the Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grading system as reported by Elston and Ellis [34]. Briefly, this method assigns a score of 1, 2 or 3 for each of three histologic or cytologic features, including nuclear grade, extent of tubule formation and mitotic rate per 10 high power fields (0.44 mm² field diameter). The scores for each of these parameters are then summed to assign the tumor grade, with scores of 3, 4 or 5 considered grade I, 6 and 7 grade II, and 8 and 9 grade III.

The presence or absence of tumor necrosis was noted, and the presence or absence of calcium hydroxyapatite microcalcifications, detected as distinct purple densities visible with light microscopy on H&E staining, was recorded. Specimens were also polarized to evaluate for possible calcium oxalate microcalcifications, an optically clear but refractile form of microcalcification not usually demonstrable by routine light microscopy.

Tumors were also evaluated for the presence of associated lymphocytic infiltration, recorded by location as peritumoral or intratumoral. Lymphocytic infiltrates were scored as 0 (negligible or absent infiltration), 1+ (few lymphoid aggregates associated with tumor), 2+ (moderate lymphoid aggregates or infiltrates typically seen in 20 to 50% of the tumor), or 3+ (brisk lymphoid aggregates or infiltrates associated with more than 50% of the tumor).

Immunohistochemistry

Serial sections of each tumor were immunohistochemically labeled for ER using the CONFIRM anti-ER (SP1) rabbit monoclonal antibody, and for PR using the CONFIRM anti-PR (1E2) rabbit monoclonal antibody (both Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Tucson, AZ). The antibodies were applied for 32 minutes at 37°C for ER, and at 16 minutes at 37°C for PR according to vendor protocol, using the Ventana BenchMark XT automated immunostainer with the Ventana iView detection Kit (Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Tucson, AZ). ER and PR immunohistochemical labeling was evaluated by recording labeling intensity, location and estimated percentage of positive cells, based on evaluation of a minimum of twenty high power (400×) fields. Labeling intensity was recorded as 0 (no labeling), 1+ (weak labeling above background), 2+ (moderate labeling), or 3+ (strong labeling) as previously described [17].

Additional sections were also labeled for HER2 using the PATHWAY anti-HER2/neu rabbit monoclonal antibody directed against the internal domain of the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein (Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Tucson, AZ). The antibody was applied for 32 minutes at 37°C according to vendor protocol using the Ventana BenchMark XT automated immunostainer with iView Detection Kit (Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Tucson, AZ). Immunohistochemical labeling for HER2 was evaluated according to the HercepTest™, recording labeling intensity and location, and estimated percentage of positive cells, also based on a minimum of twenty high power (400×) fields. Specifically, labeling intensity was recorded as 0 (no labeling), 1+ (weak, incomplete membranous labeling), 2+ (moderate, complete membranous labeling), or 3+ (strong, complete membranous labeling) as previously described [17]. Scores 2 and 3 were considered to indicate overexpression, scores 0 and 1 were considered as negative.

To evaluate tumors for features of basal-like subtype, additional sections were immunolabeled for CK5/6 (clone EP1601Y; Cell Marque, Rocklin, Ca), and for epidermal growth factor receptor (Ventana CONFIRM anti-EGFR (5B7) rabbit monoclonal primary antibody (Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Tucson, AZ), both applied for 16 minutes at 37°C also according to vendor protocol using the Ventana BenchMark XT automated immunostainer with iView Detection Kit (Ventana Medical Systems, Inc, Tucson, AZ). For CK5/6 and EGFR, sections were also evaluated for labeling intensity and location and estimated percentage of positive cells, with labeling intensity recorded as 0 (no labeling), 1+ (weak labeling), 2+ (moderate labeling), or 3+ (strong, intense labeling) [4].

Feline uterus sections were used as positive controls for ER and PR, and a human breast carcinoma was used as positive control for over-expression of HER2. Adjacent normal mammary tissue was used as internal positive controls for CK5/6 and EGFR. For negative controls the primary antibodies were replaced by homologous non-immune sera. All positive and negative controls gave the expected features in all of the evaluation.

DNA isolation and amplification of BRCA1 and BRCA2

Genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue sections obtained from 11 samples of triple negative, basal-like subtype adenocarcinomas was amplified of normal and tumor tissue following a published protocol [35]. To select population of neoplastic cells from basal-like tumors, immunohistochemistry for CK5/6 and EGFR were used to locate the basal-like subtype area, and only immunopositive non-necrotic areas were collected for DNA extraction. Primers were designed to detect BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations according to mutations reported by Musolino et al., 2007 [36]. PCR product was visualized on agarose electrophoresis and submitted for both directions sequencing at the Research Technology Support Facility (RTSF), MSU. Sequences were determined on an ABI PRISM® 3730 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystem, CA). Twenty five genomic DNA samples extracted from normal skin collected at routine necropsy from 25 cats that had diseases unrelated to cancer were used as control.

Evaluation of loss of heterozygosity in BRCA 1and BRCA2

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the BRCA1 and BRCA2 loci was evaluated by using M13-labeling PCR amplification of microsatellite markers at the 5′ and 3′ of both genes. Microsatellites from normal and tumor DNA were amplified using PCR with M13 tailed primers. The forward primer for each primer pair was synthesized with an additional modified 20-bp M13 tailed added to the 5′end. An M13 primer that has the same sequence and that directly labelled to the fluorescence, 6-FAM, was used as a label primer for the detection [37]. Standard PCR reactions were prepared in a 25-μl total volume using 1 μl extracted DNA, 5 pmol of labeled M13 primer, 0.5 pmol of M13 tailed forward primer, 5 pmol unlabeled reverse primer, and 0.625 U of GoTaq® DNA polymerase (Promega, Madison, WI). Cycling conditions were as follows: 40 cycles at 95°C for 1 minute, 59°C for 2 minute, and 72°C for 3 minute; and 72°C for 5 minutes. Amplified products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis on a 2% agarose gel. Fluorescence visualization was performed using Typhoon 9200 Variable Mode Image (GE Healthcare, Pittsburgh, PA). PCR products were further submitted for sequencing using capillary electrophoresis on an ABI PRISM® 3130 Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, CA). Allelic imbalance was determined using the normalized allelic ratio equation [LOH ratio = (D1)(N2)/(D2)(N1)], where D1 and D2 are the heights of the smaller and larger allelic peaks, respectively, fromthe duct and N1 and N2 are the heights of the allelic peaks from surrounded normal tissue DNA [38]. Allelic imbalance was noted if the area under the target size peak in the basal-like tumor DNA was altered (increase or decrease) by 50% or more, after compared to peak area in the surrounding non-tumor DNA. Samples showing homozygosity result on agarose gel electrophoresis were classified as non-informative.

Results

Histological grading

On histopathologic review (Table 1), 3 of the 24 FMAs were fairly pure papillary carcinomas with well-defined papillary structures identified through a majority of the tumors. The remaining 21 FMAs showed a variety of growth patterns. Most displayed admixed components of tubulopapillary, cribriform and solid growth patterns. In addition, cystic areas were common and were seen in seven of the cases.

Table 1.

Histologic characteristics of feline mammary adenocarcinomas

Case	Patterns*	Nuclear grade	% Tubules	Mitoses/ 10 HPF	Grade	Necrosis	Micro-calcifications	Lymphocytie infiltrates**
1	CY, SO, CR	2	60	45	2	Y	N	PT 1
2	SO, TU	2	80	47	2	Y	N	0
3	TU, SO, PA	2	70	54	2	Y	N	PT 2
4	TU, PA	1	80	7	1	Y	Y	PT 1
5	TU, SO	2	70	65	2	Y	N	PT 1
6	SO, TU, CY	2	50	48	2	Y	N	0
7	SO, PA	3	5	20	3	N	N	PT 2
8	TU, CR	2	90	12	2	Y	N	0
9	SO, CY	3	5	56	3	Y	N	PT 1
10	TU, SO, CY	3	80	22	3	Y	N	PT 1
11	TU	3	90	25	2	Y	N	PT 1
12	TU, SO	3	75	18	2	Y	N	PT 1
13	SO, CY	3	10	28	3	Y	N	0
14	TU, SO	3	60	70	3	N	N	0
15	TU	3	90	25	2	Y	N	PT 1
16	CY, TU	2	70	62	2	Y	Y	0
17	PA	2	90	12	2	Y	N	0
18	TU, SO	2	70	45	2	Y	N	0
19	PA	1	90	12	1	N	N	0
20	PA, TU, CY	2	80	42	2	Y	N	PT 2
21	PA	2	90	24	2	Y	N	PT 2
22	SO, TU	2	20	12	2	Y	N	PT 1
23	TU, PA	3	70	52	3	Y	N	PT 1
24	SO, CY	3	5	90	3	Y	N	PT 2

*CY cystic, SO solid, TU tubular, PA papillary.

**PT peritumoral.

According to the histologic characteristics, the FMAs had a low nuclear grade in 3 cases, an intermediate nuclear grade in 12 cases and a high nuclear grade in 9 cases. There was scant tubule formation in 3 cases, intermediate tubule formation in 10 cases and prominent tubule formation in 11 cases. Only one FMA had an intermediate mitotic rate, with 23 having high mitotic rates (>10 figures). In fact, the mitotic rate was typically very high with a mean mitotic rate of 33 and a median of 27 mitoses per 10 high power fields (0.44 mm² field diameter). Based on the overall tumor grade according to the combined scores for nuclear grade, tubule formation and mitotic rate, 2 FMAs were well differentiated (grade 1) tumors, 15 moderately differentiated (grade II) tumors, and 7 poorly differentiated (grade 3).

Tumor necrosis was common, with 21 of the 24 FMAs exhibiting significant (>10%) areas of necrosis, whereas 3 adenocarcinomas were devoid of significant necrosis. Microcalcifications were identified within only 2 FMAs, with the other 22 FMAs having no microcalcifications. In both of the cases with microcalcification, the deposits were identified by light microscopy, representing calcium hydroxyapatite. Polarized light microscopy showed no additional calcium oxalate microcalcifications in any of the tumors examined. Lymphocytic infiltrates associated with tumor were present in 15 of the 24 (62.5%) FMAs, and all had a 1+ to 2+ peritumoral distribution.

Immunohistochemistry-based molecular subtype classification

Estrogen receptor labeling was present in 2 of the 24 FMAs (8.3%) (Table 2). Labeling was weak (1+) and was present in 10% and 40% of the tumor nuclei respectively. Progesterone receptor labeling (Table 2) was present in 7 of the 24 tumors (29.2%). The labeling intensity was weak (1+) in 5 cases, moderate (2+) in 1 case, and strong (3+) in 1 case, with positive nuclei ranging from 5% to 90%, the latter in the case with strong nuclear labeling. No cases expressed both estrogen and progesterone receptors. HER2 was overexpressed in 4 of the 24 FMAs (Table 2). Labeling was moderate (2+) in all four cases, two with 20% and 40% of cells with cytoplasmic/membrane labeling, one with membranous labeling in 20% of the cells, and one with membranous labeling in 30% of the papillary components. In our series, 14 (58.3%) tumors were triple negative (ER-, PR-, and HER2-).

Table 2.

Immunohistochemical staining results of ER/PR/HER2, CK5/6, and EGFR

		ER			PR			HER2			CK5			EGFR
Case	Intensity	Location	Percent	Intensity	Location	Percent	Intensity	Location	Percent	Intensity	Location	Percent	Intensity	Location	Percent
1			0	1	N*	5			0	3	M, C*	100			0
2			0			0			0	3	M, C	100			0
3			0			0	2	C, M	20	3	M	20	2	C, M	80
4	1	N	40			0	2	M	20	3	M	100	2	M	15
5	1	N	10			0			0	3	M	30	2	M	50
6			0			0			0	3	C, M	40	1	M	5
7			0			0			0	3	M, C	80	1	M	60
8			0			0			0			0			0
9			0			0			0	3	C, M	25	1	C, M	30
10			0	1	N	5			0	3	C, M	5	1	C	10
11			0	3	N	90			0			0			0
12			0	2	N	80			0			0	1	M	5
13			0	1	N	10	2	C, M	40	3	M	80	1	M, C	15
14			0			0			0	3	M	100			0
15			0			0			0	3	M, C	70	1	C, M	30
16			0	1	N	30			0	3	M	50	2	C, M	50
17			0			0			0			0	2	M, C	30
18			0			0			0			0			0
19			0			0			0	3	M, C	90	2	M	90
20			0			0			0	3	M	90	1	M	80
21			0	1	N	5	2	M	30			0			0
22			0			0			0	3	M	20	1	C, M	70
23			0			0			0			0			0
24			0			0			0	3	M	70			0

*N nuclear, C cytoplasmic, M membranous.

Feline triple-negative, basal-like adenocarcinomas (case numbers 2, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24 in italicized boldface) were submitted for genetic analysis.

Immunolabeling for CK5/6 (Table 2) was identified in the myoepithelial cells lining normal and hyperplastic mammary ducts as well as in hair follicles and portions of epidermal tissues, these structures serving as internal controls. Of the 24 FMAs 17 (71%) had uniformly strong (3+) positive labeling of tumor cells (Figure 1B); 11 of these had 50% or more positive tumor cells, the other 6 cases showing similar strong labeling that varied from 5% to 40% of positive tumor cells. For 17 positive cases, labeling was seen in an average of 63% of the tumor cells. In 2 of the cases, with 20% and 30% positive tumor cells, the pattern appeared clonal, with intense reaction in only a portion of the tumor. In the other cases, the labeling was irregular and diffuse throughout the tumors. Immunolabeling for EGFR (Table 2) similarly showed moderate to strong positive (2 + −3+) labeling in myoepithelial cells of normal and hyperplastic ducts and in incidental sebaceous glands, these again serving as internal controls. Of the 24 FMAs 15 (62.5%) had EGFR positive tumor cells (Figure 1C) with weak (1+) labeling in 9 cases (60%) and moderate (2+) labeling in 6 cases (40%). The labeling was membranous in distribution with 9 cases showing some degree of cytoplasmic labeling as well. Immunolabeling was observed in 50% or more of the tumor cells in 7 cases (47%), with 9 FMAs having 5% to 30% positive tumor cells. For the positive cases labeling was seen in an average of 41% of the tumor cells. Positive labeling appeared diffuse and irregular in the tumors, without the clonal pattern noted in two of the cases when labeled with CK5/6. Thirteen of the 24 FMAs (54%) were positive for both CK5 and EGFR, while 6 (25%) were positive for either CK5/6 or EGFR; the remaining 5 cases (21%) were negative for both CK5/6 and EGFR.

Figure 1.

Identification of triple negative basal-like subtype (ER-, HER2-, CK5/6+ and/or EGFR+). Sections of feline mammary adenocarcinoma with basal-like (A) subtype were CK5/6 (B)and EGFR positive (C), but negative for estrogen receptor (D), progesterone receptor and HER2).

Based on expression of ER, PR, HER2, CK5/6, and EGFR, tumor subtypes were immunohistochemically classified as estrogen receptor-positive luminal A (ER+, PR + or PR-, HER2-), estrogen receptor-positive luminal B (ER+, PR + or PR-, HER2+), HER2 overexpression (ER-, PR + or PR-, HER2+), and basal-like (CK5/6+ and/or EGFR+). In our series, the distribution of tumor molecular subtypes was: 1 (4.2%) estrogen receptor-positive luminal A (case 5 in Table 2, Figure 2A-D), 1 (4.2%) estrogen receptor-positive luminal B (case 4 in Table 2, Figure 3A-D), 1 (4.2%) HER2 overexpression (case 3 in Table 2, Figure 4A-D), and 19 (79.2%) basal-like (Table 2, Figure 1A-D).

Figure 2.

Identification of estrogen receptor-positive luminal A subtype (ER+, PR + or PR-, HER2-). Sections of feline mammary adenocarcinoma with tubular (A) and solid morphology were estrogen receptor positive (B) and HER2 negative (C), but focally positive for EGFR (D).

Figure 3.

Identification of estrogen receptor-positive luminal B subtype (ER+, PR + or PR-, HER2+). Sections of feline mammary adenocarcinoma with tubular (A) and papillary morphology were estrogen receptor positive (B) and HER2 positive (C), but positive for CK5/6 (D).

Figure 4.

Identification of HER2 overexpression subtype (ER-, HER2+). Sections of feline mammary adenocarcinoma with tubular and papillary (A) and solid morphology were estrogen receptor negative (B) and HER2 positive (C), but focally positive for CK5/6 (D).

Detection of TNBC with basal-like subtype

Eleven of the 14 FMAs (79%) that were negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 (triple negative) exhibited a basal-like subtype, 7 of these 14 FMAs were positive for both CK5/6 and EGFR, and four were positive for either CK5/6 or EGFR. Eight of the 24 FMAs (33%) were positive for either CK5/6 or EGFR or both, but had positive labeling for at least one of the following: HER2 (1 case), estrogen receptor (1 case), progesterone receptor (4 cases) or multiple receptors (2 cases), thereby precluding assignment of these tumors as true basal-like subtype TNBCs.

Genetic analysis

Further investigation of genetic alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 was performed. Only five of the 11 DNA samples from TNBCs with basal like subtype could be amplified. Examination of BRCA1/BRCA2 sequences revealed missense mutations and polymorphisms, but there were no mutations or polymorphisms specific to the tumors compared to normal feline DNA. No abnormality in BRCA1 and BRCA2 alleles was detected (Figure 5. Missense mutations and polymorphisms as compared to the established cat genome (Genome browser: http://genome.ucsc.edu/) were identified in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene in triple-negative basal-like FMAs. However, these genetic alterations were not specific for FMAs and were also identified in control DNA obtained from normal cats.

Figure 5.

Detection of loss of heterozygosity in BRCA1 and BRCA2. No allelic losses were detected in triple negative tumors exhibiting a basal-like phenotype.

Discussion

This study was designed to investigate FMAs as a potential natural model for human basal-like TNBC. FMAs are typically aggressive with a significant propensity to metastasize and usually exhibit morphological features similar to human breast cancer; as such, they have been proposed as a model for human breast cancers [15,16].

Using the WHO classification, the majority of the cases in our series were adenocarcinomas with predominant tubulopapillary and solid features. Of interest, cystic change was common and was seen in 33% of adenocarcinomas. When applying the Nottingham grading system that is widely accepted in human breast cancer, FMA grading was strongly influenced by generally high mitotic rates which averaged 37 mitoses, with a range of 7 to 90 per 10 high power fields (0.44 mm² field diameter). In fact 29% of the FMAs had greater than 50 mitotic figures per 10 high power fields. This finding reflects the generally rapid growth that these tumors display. The distribution of 8% well differentiated, 50% moderately differentiated, and 42% poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas correlates well with a previous series of 55 FMAs [39] in which 14% were well differentiated, 60% were moderately differentiated and 27% were poorly differentiated. In that study, a good predictive value in relation to prognosis for well and poorly differentiated tumors was reported. The concordance of our series with the previous series also suggests that the Nottingham grading system applied to FMAs is reproducible across collections of cases.

Tumor necrosis is a common finding in rapidly growing neoplasms, whose growth often outpaces the ability of angiogenetic pathways to provide adequate vascular support. Indeed, in our study, with a high mitotic index in the majority of cases, necrosis was present in all but 3 cases, with those 3 tumors showing 20, 24 and 70 mitoses per 10 high power fields respectively. The presence of necrosis could not be associated with any other specific morphologic features.

Microcalcifications are often used as a surrogate marker for human breast cancers [40], allowing detection of such tumors mammographically by the detection of radiographic densities associated with these dystrophic calcifications. In human breast cancer, the majority of these represent calcium hydroxyapatite precipitates, which are readily identified by light microscopy with H&E staining. A second form of microcalcification composed of calcium oxalate accounts for up to 10% of cases with microcalcifications and is readily identified by polarization [41]. In our series, only two of the cases had calcium hydroxyapatite microcalcifications within the tumor, with no cases having calcium oxalate by polarized light microscopy. The relative lack of microcalfications in FMAs compared to human carcinomas may represent a species variation.

Lymphocytic infiltration was a common finding with 62.5% of the FMAs showing peritumoral infiltrates. Similarly, lymphocytic infiltration is not uncommon in human TNBCs, particularly in the basal-like subtype that was also overrepresented in this case series.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors are commonly expressed in human breast cancers, with ER expression being noted in 70-80% of cases [42]. However, about 15-20% of breast cancers in humans are negative for both ER and PR, typically in more poorly differentiated tumors [42]. Previous studies of FMAs have shown that ERs are expressed at much lower rates in FMAs and expression of PRs tends to slightly lower than in humans, but significantly higher than ER expression in most studies. In one study of 42 feline mammary carcinomas, 4 tumors (9.5%) were positive for ER by IHC while 28 tumors (66.7%) were positive for PR [21]. In a second similar study 6 of 27 tumors (22%) were positive for ER and this number correlated well with ER levels evaluated by a dextran-charcoal method [22]. Another study specifically compared ER and PR expression and found 5 of 25 cases (20%) of FMAs positive for ER by IHC and dextran-charcoal methods, and 9 of 25 (36%) of these cases were positive for PR [23]. Assay by dextran-charcoal method alone yielded similar findings, with 2 of 20 cases (10%) positive for ERs [19]. In our current series only 2 of 24 (8%) of cases were positive for ER, while 7 of 24 (29%) were positive for PR. Our data confirm the observation of lower levels of ER compared to PR in FMAs as well as lower ER and PR expression in FMAs compared to human breast cancer [20,21,23,42].

HER2 overexpression is seen in about 15-25% of human breast cancers, and is the basis for therapy with trastuzumab, an antibody based blocker of the HER2 membrane protein [43]. HER2 overexpression is commonly observed in cats with spontaneous feline mammary tumors [18,24,25,44,45], however, the reported percentages of HER2 overexpression in feline mammary tumors are highly variable between studies (5.5%-90%). In our study, 4 of 24 FMAs (17%) were immunopositive for HER2. Similar percentages (5.5%, 16% and 36%) of HER2 expression have been reported in some studies [18,24,25], while two other studies reported significantly higher (59%, 76.7%) percentages [44,45]. Variation of reported percentages is most likely based on selection of cases (benign and malignant as well as morphologic subtypes), technical factors and subjective interpretation. Variation in genetic backgrounds between different cat populations, such as incidence of breeds at different continents, may also contribute to such differences in reported percentages. Similar controversies regarding HER2 expression have been reported for human breast cancer, and the FDA approved HercepTest™ is recommended for an accurate and reliable evaluation of HER2 expression [25,46]. In this study, the standardized HercepTest™ was used for HER2 expression analysis and results were similar (17% versus 16%) to another study that applied the HercepTest™ scoring system [25].

Immunohistochemistry for ER, PR, and HER2 overexpression might also be negatively influenced by to short or prolonged fixation time or delayed fixation [47,48]. Since our cases represented surgical biopsy material, such negative influences are unlikely and the studied cases had been fixed between 24–48 hours according to recommended fixation times [49,50]. Furthermore, all of the cats in this study were family pets and most had been neutered/spayed at an early age.

In our study, 14 of the 24 (58%) cases were negative for ER and PR and for HER2 overexpression. In humans, such TNBC exhibit aggressive behavior and are further complicated by the lack of targeted therapy. FMAs appear to represent a rich source of TNBCs, and could provide a valuable model for the evaluation of effective therapeutic strategies for these tumors in humans. In human breast cancers, basal-like subtype tumors account for about 50-80% of all TNBC [51], which is similar to our series of FMAs with 79% of triple negative tumors exhibiting a basal-like subtype. Of particular interest, TNBCs include a subset of neoplasms with a basal-like subtype that are often associated with BRCA1 mutations and are characterized by expression of genes usually found in basal or myoepithelial cells of the normal human breast [52]. Such cases can be identified by a series of specific surrogate basal markers, including CK5/6, CK17, CK14 and EGFR [51]. IHC expression of CK5/6 and/or EGFR in tumors negative for both ER and HER2/neu is a pragmatic and widely accepted method for diagnosing basal-like subtype TNBC [51].

This study represents an initial attempt to define the genetic alteration of triple negative FMAs with a basal-like subtype, in order to determine how this profile may differ from the genetic profiles of tumor of similar phenotype occurring in humans. We found no mutations or allelic losses in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. However only DNA from 5 cats could be amplified from archival formalin-fixed paraffin embedded material for genetic analysis. Larger numbers of samples need to be studied for a more comprehensive understanding of the potential role of BRCA mutations in FMAs of basal-like phenotype. It is also possible that epigenetic modifications which lead to BRCA gene silencing may play a role in these cases. In addition, since mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 were investigated within the locations reported in human breast cancer, cats may carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in different gene locations.

Conclusion

FMAs have an aggressive biologic behavior, are of high histologic grade, and a high percentage of these tumors is triple negative, with about 80% displaying a basal-like subtype. Previous studies noted that estrogen and progesterone receptor negative proliferations occur spontaneously as purely intraepithelial lesions in feline mammary glands, and have suggested that these might be an effective model for evaluating the earliest stages of hormone receptor negative disease in humans [17]. In our study, we demonstrated a high incidence of triple negative basal-like FMAs that have a similar aggressive clinical behavior as their human counterparts and would be a valuable natural occurring animal model to study human TNBCs of basal-like subtype.

Abbreviations

BRCA: Breast susceptibility cancer; LOH: Loss of heterozygosity; EGFR: Epidermal growth factor receptor; CK: Cytokeratins; ER: Estrogen receptor; PR: Progesterone receptor; IHC: Immunohistochemistry.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

DAW conducted the histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation, TT carried out the DNA isolation, PCR, sequence analysis, and LOH analysis. VYG provided laboratory resources, directed the molecular study and supervised the molecular result analysis. MK selected the original case material, designed the study and together with DAW analyzed the histology and IHC results. DAW, TT and MK drafted the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Pre-publication history

The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2407/13/403/prepub

Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Patrick Venta for help with the primer design and interpretation in the study of loss of heterozygosity.