Genomic landscapes of canine splenic angiosarcoma (hemangiosarcoma) contain extensive heterogeneity within and between patients

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 22;17(7):e0264986. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264986. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Cancer genomic heterogeneity presents significant challenges for understanding oncogenic processes and for cancer's clinical management. Variation in driver mutation frequency between patients with the same tumor type as well as within an individual patients' cancer can shape the use of mutations as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. We have characterized genomic heterogeneity between and within canine splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a common naturally occurring cancer in pet dogs that is similar to human angiosarcoma (AS). HSA is a clinically, physiologically, and genomically complex canine cancer that may serve as a valuable model for understanding the origin and clinical impact of cancer heterogeneity. We conducted a prospective collection of 52 splenic masses from 43 dogs (27 HSA, 15 benign masses, and 1 stromal sarcoma) presenting for emergency care with hemoperitoneum secondary to a ruptured splenic mass. Multi-platform genomic analysis included matched tumor/normal targeted sequencing panel and exome sequencing. We found candidate somatic cancer driver mutations in 14/27 (52%) HSAs. Among recurrent candidate driver mutations, TP53 was most commonly mutated (30%) followed by PIK3CA (15%), AKT1 (11%), and CDKN2AIP (11%). We also identified significant intratumoral genomic heterogeneity, consistent with a branched evolution model, through multi-region exome sequencing of three distinct tumor regions from selected primary splenic tumors. These data provide new perspectives on the genomic landscape of this veterinary cancer and suggest a cross-species value for using HSA in pet dogs as a naturally occurring model of intratumoral heterogeneity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases* / genetics
  • Dogs
  • Exome Sequencing
  • Genomics
  • Hemangiosarcoma* / genetics
  • Hemangiosarcoma* / veterinary
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Prospective Studies
  • Splenic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Splenic Neoplasms* / veterinary

Grants and funding

The studies were supported by the respective foundations within TGen and Ethos Discovery in the form of salaries to EJE, JC, KR, SS, and WPDH, as well as supplies. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.