Vol. 10, Issue 5, Part F (2025)

Author(s): Abhijit Nikam, Ramprasad P Mandade and Urmila Phad

Abstract: Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are one of the most common neoplasms in female dogs, with a wide range of biological behavior, from benign to malignant. This study aims to investigate the expression of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and ErbB2 (HER2/neu) in CMTs and their potential role in determining tumor aggressiveness, prognosis, and therapeutic response. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue samples from canine mammary tumors to assess the expression levels of VEGF and ErbB2. Strong VEGF expression was associated with increased tumor vascularization and a higher likelihood of metastasis, suggesting a more aggressive and malignant phenotype. Similarly, tumors with high ErbB2 expression were found to be poorly differentiated, with rapid growth, higher mitotic activity, and a greater potential for local invasion and metastasis. Tumors showing weak or absent expression of both VEGF and ErbB2 were typically less aggressive and had a more favorable prognosis. These findings underscore the importance of VEGF and ErbB2 as molecular markers for assessing the biological behavior of CMTs, and suggest their potential utility in guiding therapeutic decisions, including the application of targeted therapies. The results highlight the need for further research into the clinical significance of these markers and their potential role in improving outcomes for dogs with mammary tumors.