Published on: Feb. 26, 2025.
Splenic masses in dogs present a significant diagnostic challenge due to their varied nature, making it difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant forms.
A recent study explored the role of microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers by analyzing 59 miRNAs in serum and tissue samples from dogs with HSA, lymphoma, nonangiomatous nonlymphomatous sarcomas, histiocytic sarcomas, benign splenic masses, and normal spleens. The study aimed to distinguish between benign splenic masses and highly malignant HSA using miRNAs as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
Researchers identified at least three miRNAs that were differentially expressed in HSA compared to other splenic masses and controls, both in serum and tissue samples. While histology remains the gold standard for diagnosis, the study developed a pruned decision tree model that accurately classified 96% of benign masses and HSAs, with precision, recall, and F1 values exceeding 0.89 and an AUC of 0.971.
MiRNAs are particularly promising as diagnostic biomarkers due to their presence in blood and other bodily fluids, offering a non-invasive method that could be integrated into routine bloodwork. Early detection of splenic masses, often incidentally found during imaging, is crucial. Hemangiosarcoma diagnosed before clinical signs has a better prognosis than cases diagnosed after rupture.
Current diagnostic tools, including imaging and clinical parameters, often fail to differentiate between benign and malignant solitary splenic masses. The study suggests that combining serum miRNA analysis with existing clinical and imaging data could improve point-of-care diagnostics, aiding rapid decision-making. Future research should explore the integration of miRNA profiling with clinical parameters to enhance screening for splenic malignancy.
The study also noted changes in miRNA expression before and after splenectomy in HSA cases, with some miRNAs decreasing post-surgery, likely due to the removal of the tumor source. Anemia at diagnosis may also influence miRNA profiles, though this was not investigated. Hemolysis poses a challenge in miRNA analysis, as it can alter serum profiles. While UV-absorbance can detect hemolysis, its sensitivity is lower than miRNA detection. To address this, miRNAs strongly linked to hemolysis, such as miR-451a and miR-16-5p, were excluded from the models.
Further research is needed to understand the relationship between miRNAs and hemolysis, but this study highlights the potential of miRNA models as screening tools to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide clinical decisions. It provides a foundational profile of miRNA expression in HSA and evaluates their early diagnostic potential, paving the way for future validation in broader populations.
