A Comprehensive Review of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Lymphosarcoma and Adrenocortical Carcinoma in Dogs: Prevalence, Breed Predisposition, and Ultrastructural Insights

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

Canine malignancies present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in veterinary oncology, profoundly impacting patient survival and quality of life. This review synthesizes current knowledge on three aggressive neoplasms: pancreatic adenocarcinoma, lymphosarcoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma. Systematic literature searches (PubMed/Google Scholar, 1976–2025) identified 35 peer-reviewed studies. Data were extracted on epidemiology, breed predisposition, ultrastructural features, and therapeutic outcomes. While there are limited published data specifically on breed-specific incidence of these cancers in dogs in Iran, global research suggests that certain breeds have a higher predisposition. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is rare (incidence: 17.8/100,000 dogs; 0.011% of all canine tumors), with no consistent breed predisposition but a predominance in older dogs (mean age: 10 years). Its clinical challenge lies in its silent progression; patients often present with nonspecific signs like lethargy and vomiting only after the cancer has metastasized, leading to a poor prognosis with a median survival of less than three months, even with surgery. Ultrastructural alterations include abnormal zymogen granules and disrupted intercellular junctions. In contrast, lymphosarcoma accounts for 7–24% of all canine cancers, with an elevated risk in Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labrador and Golden Retrievers. It is one of the most responsive cancers to chemotherapy; over 80% of dogs achieve remission with multi-agent protocols, yielding a median survival time of 12–14 months, which makes it a highly treatable, though often not curable disease. Adrenocortical carcinoma (prevalence: 0.1–0.3%) shows breed predispositions in German Shepherds and Poodles. A major clinical challenge is its frequent association with hormonally active syndromes, such as Cushing's syndrome, which can complicate diagnosis and management. For metastatic cases, the adrenal-selective drug trilostane has demonstrated efficacy in controlling clinical signs. While surgery can be curative for localized masses, the overall prognosis is guarded when invasion or metastasis is present. These neoplasms exhibit distinct epidemiological patterns and ultrastructural features. Breed-specific risks underscore genetic components, while novel therapies, such as toceranib phosphate and trilostane, show promise. Comparative oncology approaches, leveraging these spontaneous canine cancers as models for their human counterparts, may benefit both veterinary and human medicine. This review aims to enhance understanding of the clinical behavior and outcomes of these cancers' clinical behavior and outcomes to guide future research into improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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References

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Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research
Volume 3, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 78-86

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