Tumour Node Metastasis Staging as Prognostic Indicator for Surgical Decision-making Tool in Canine Mammary and Superficial Neoplasms: A Survival Analysis Study

Background: Streamlining surgical approaches for various neoplasms in dogs utilising tumour node metastasis (TNM) staging and assessment of quality of life (QOL) of a cancer patient has always been a challenge in veterinary surgical oncology. The study was intended to assess TNM staging as a prognostic indicator and basis of surgical decision in canine mammary and superficial neoplasms. Methods: Thirty six cases of canine neoplasms were studied in three groups based on TNM staging of neoplasms. The histopathology of the excisional biopsy samples were correlated with TNM stages and the response to treatment was assessed using Modified Karnofsky performance scales in dogs and response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST). The survival status of the animals was compared by Kaplan Meier analysis and results were interpreted using the log rank test. Result: The TNM staging formed the basis for surgical decision making and direct correlation was detected between TNM staging and histopathological grading of neoplasms. The mean survival time was found more in alone surgical group with TNM stages TA N0-1 M0, compared to neoadjuvant therapy (TA N1 M0-1) and adjuvant therapy groups (TA N1 M1).