Increased plasma DR-70 (fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products) concentrations as a diagnostic biomarker in dogs with neoplasms

Abstract

Background: Tumor biomarkers have used widely in clinical oncology in human medicine. Only a few studies have evaluated the clinical utility of tumor biomarkers for veterinary medicine. A test for fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products (DR-70) has been proposed as an ideal biomarker for tumors in humans. The clinical value of DR-70 for veterinary medicine however has yet to be determined. Objectives: Investigate the diagnostic value of DR-70 concentrations by comparing them between healthy dogs and dogs with tumors. Animals: Two hundred sixty-three dogs with different types of tumors were included. Sixty healthy dogs also were recruited for comparison. Methods: The DR-70 concentrations were measured in all recruited individuals by ELISA. Clinical conditions were categorized based on histopathology, cytology, ultrasound examination, radiology, clinical findings, and a combination of these tests. Results: The median concentration of DR-70 was 2.130 ± 0.868 μg/mL in dogs with tumors, which was significantly higher than in healthy dogs (1.202 ± 0.610 μg/mL; P