Evaluation of an assay for detecting telomerase activity in neoplastic tissues of dogs

Objective-To determine feasibility of using the telomere repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay to detect telomerase activity in tumors of dogs. Sample Population-Samples of tumor or normal tissue were obtained from client-owned dogs that underwent surgical biopsy during the period of January 1996 through December 1997. Procedure-The TRAP assay was used to detect telomerase activity in malignant or benign tumors of dogs. Telomerase status (positive or negative) was compared with results of histologic examination for each sample to estimate specificity and sensitivity of this assay for the diagnosis of malignancy. Results-Of 26 malignant tumors, 24 were telomerase positive on TRAP assay, whereas 3 of 4 benign tumors and 3 of 3 normal tissues were telomerase negative. Analysis of these results indicated an estimated sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 86% for tumor analysis, using the TRAP assay. Conclusion-The TRAP assay can be used to measure telomerase activity in malignant tumors of dogs. Clinical Relevance-Because telomerase activation may be required for indefinite longevity of cells, it may also serve as a tumor marker and therapeutic target. The TRAP assay can be used to detect telomerase in samples of fluid as well as tissues obtained from solid tumors. Therefore, it may have considerable clinical value in rapid and noninvasive diagnosis of neoplasia in dogs. Additional studies must be completed to more accurately determine sensitivity and specificity of the assay.