Exploring Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Canine Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Preliminary Study With Translational Insights
Burak Yildirim, Volkan IpekABSTRACT
Background
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have gained attention in oncology due to their role in inflammation‐driven tumour progression. While their involvement has been documented in various human malignancies, including select sarcoma subtypes, data on soft tissue sarcomas (STS) remain sparse, particularly in veterinary species.
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the presence and potential significance of NET formation in spontaneously occurring canine STS, with an additional focus on possible translational relevance to human oncology.
Methods
This study examined 30 canine soft tissue tumours, including fibroma, leiomyoma, fibromyxosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, liposarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, myxosarcoma, perivascular wall tumours, peripheral nerve sheath tumours and undifferentiated sarcoma. NET formations (including both NET‐primed neutrophils and NETs) were detected through a dual‐staining technique using citrullinated histone‐3 (citH3) and myeloperoxidase antibodies on the same tissue sections, employing a fading and restaining method. NET formation was quantified based on citH3‐positive areas and analysed against tumour grade and other histopathological markers.
Results
Pearson correlation analysis found no significant association between NET scores and tumour grade, mitotic activity, necrosis or differentiation. However, NET formation was significantly elevated in malignant sarcomas compared to benign tumours. Within sarcomas, grade III tumours exhibited slightly higher NET formation, though the difference was not statistically significant relative to grades I and II.
Conclusions
These findings parallel emerging evidence in human STS, where NETs have been implicated in tumour progression, though their precise role remains underexplored. By utilizing spontaneous canine sarcomas as a translational model, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of NET‐driven tumour biology and may help potential diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.