A panel of 4 circulating microRNAs (126-5p, 150-5p, 452-5p, and 543) discriminates dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma from those with noncancerous splenic masses

Objective To identify a panel of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that accurately discriminates dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma from those with noncancerous splenic masses. Methods Serum samples from 10 dogs with hemangiosarcoma and 20 dogs with noncancerous splenic masses were included. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed for 8 candidate miRNAs (miRNA [miR]-126-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-203a-3p, miR-214-3p, miR-452-5p, miR-494-3p, miR-497-5p, and miR-543) and 2 reference genes (miR-16-5p and miR-93-5p). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify a panel of miRNAs diagnostic for hemangiosarcoma. Results The combination of miR-126-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-452-5p, and miR-543 had an area under the curve of 0.930, a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 90%, and a Youden J of 0.700 for discriminating dogs with hemangiosarcoma from those with noncancerous splenic masses. Conclusions This panel of 4 miRNAs can be used to discriminate noncancerous splenic masses from hemangiosarcoma in dogs with splenic masses. Clinical Relevance The ability to determine the nature of a splenic mass prior to surgery will provide veterinarians and their clients with important knowledge prior to surgery. If a mass is not hemangiosarcoma, owners may be more likely to proceed with surgery rather than euthanasia. Knowing that a mass is hemangiosarcoma will provide information to owners on the need for adjuvant therapy following surgery.