1. Summary
Feline squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common, aggressive cancer primarily affecting older cats. It frequently presents on areas with minimal fur such as the ears, nose, and oral cavity, and is driven by factors like ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Despite advances in treatment options, the prognosis for advanced cases remains poor. Biospecimens, including dissociated tumor cells, blood, and urine, are crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic research, enabling better understanding of the disease and the development of novel treatments.
2. Introduction
Feline squamous cell carcinoma arises from the squamous epithelial cells of the skin and oral tissues. Particularly common in light-pigmented cats, SCC often affects areas like the nose, ears, and lips. While early-stage cutaneous SCC can be treated effectively, late-stage and oral SCC are more difficult to manage due to their invasive nature. Biospecimens, such as tumor cells and plasma from feline SCC, help researchers study tumor biology and develop targeted therapies(10.1177_1098612X13483238)(vetsci-09-00558).
3. Classification and Incidence
Feline SCC can be broadly classified into cutaneous SCC (primarily UV-induced) and oral SCC, which is far more aggressive and invasive. Cutaneous SCC usually affects light-colored cats, especially in sun-exposed areas. Oral SCC is the most common oral malignancy in cats, accounting for the majority of oral neoplasms, and is associated with poor prognosis due to its rapid progression and local invasion(10.1177_1098612X13483238).
4. Diagnosis
The diagnosis of feline SCC involves a combination of clinical examination, biopsy, and advanced imaging techniques. Cytology and histopathology are used to confirm SCC, while dissociated tumor cells from feline SCC can be used for more in-depth molecular studies. Molecular techniques like PCR and immunohistochemistry are employed to assess the presence of specific mutations or viral components, aiding in accurate classification and personalized treatment planning(10.1177_1098612X13483238)(vetsci-09-00558).
5. Treatment
Treatment options for feline SCC include surgery, radiation, and, in some cases, chemotherapy. For early-stage cutaneous SCC, surgical excision with wide margins is often curative, while advanced oral SCC requires a multimodal approach. Biospecimens such as plasma and tumor cells from feline SCC are being used to explore novel immunotherapies and targeted drug therapies that aim to slow disease progression and improve survival(10.1177_1098612X13483238)(vetsci-09-00558).
6. Future Research Opportunities
Future research in feline SCC is focusing on early detection and the development of targeted therapies. Biospecimens like frozen tissues from feline SCC are critical for identifying genetic mutations that drive tumor growth, while swabs, urine, and blood from feline SCC patients are being used to discover biomarkers that could lead to better diagnostic tools. The role of viral infections, particularly papillomavirus, in the etiology of SCC is also a growing area of investigation(10.1177_1098612X13483238)(vetsci-09-00558).
Products & Services
- Dissociated tumor cells from feline squamous cell carcinoma: Ideal for in vitro studies, allowing researchers to study tumor biology and drug responses.
- Cell line establishment services from feline squamous cell carcinoma: Custom cell lines for long-term research, derived from patient-specific tumors.
- Serum from feline squamous cell carcinoma: Rich in circulating biomarkers, critical for diagnostic and therapeutic research.
- Plasma from feline squamous cell carcinoma: Essential for molecular analyses and the identification of novel biomarkers.
- Swabs from feline squamous cell carcinoma: Non-invasive samples from affected areas for studying local and systemic tumor environments.
- Urine from feline squamous cell carcinoma: Useful for monitoring metabolic changes and identifying diagnostic markers.
- Stool from feline squamous cell carcinoma: Important for gastrointestinal involvement studies and microbiome analysis.
Our range of high-quality biospecimens supports ongoing research and the development of innovative diagnostic tools and therapies aimed at improving outcomes for feline squamous cell carcinoma.
How to order:
For orders or enquiries you can contact us at info@lab4paws.com or call us at +49 172 460 5978 (Europe) or +1 617 982 1785 (US).
References
- Murphy, S. (2013). Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the cat: Current understanding and treatment approaches. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15(5), 401-407(10.1177_1098612X13483238).
- Sequeira, I., Pires, M. d. A., Leitão, J., et al. (2022). Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma: A critical review of etiologic factors. Veterinary Sciences, 9, 558(vetsci-09-00558).
