Genetic Expression Profile of Feline Alimentary Lymphoma

Dr. Mary Lynn Higginbotham, our 2005 AAFP Research Grant recipients requests our assistance in obtaining tissue from cats with alimentary lymphoma.

Genetic expression analysis has been determined to be of significant prognostic and treatment importance in many human cancers and more than likely will have the same significance in companion animal diseases.

Dr. Calvin Johnson of the Department of Pathobiology at Auburn University and I are evaluating the genetic expression profile of feline alimentary lymphoma.  Our long-term goals are to evaluate correlation between the genetic expression profile, morphologic diagnosis and immunophenotype of cats with GI LSA.  What we need is tumor tissue from which we can extract the RNA and evaluate genetic expression.

To help make this possible, we are willing to send transport tubes with RNAlater and formalin as well as pay for FedEx shipping of both formalin and fresh tissue (in RNAlater) sent to Auburn University.  Pre-paid and prepared FedEx labels will also be included for the samples to be shipped back to us.  We are happy to send several shipping containers for you to have on hand or could overnight them should you have a case that you suspect IBD or lymphoma and will be obtaining biopsies.

The histologic samples will be submitted to the pathology department to be evaluated and IHC will be included in the analysis.  We realize that the purpose of the biopsy is to definitively diagnose the etiology and that some cats with suspected lymphoma will have other neoplasia or more commonly IBD.  We are willing to pay for histopathology and IHC regardless of the diagnosis.

You can contact me, Mary Lynn Higginbotham, at 334-844-4690 or via email: higgiml@auburn.edu

If I am not available you can ask to speak with Lee Reing and she can also be of assistance.

We truly do appreciate any and all help with obtaining these samples.  The information gained from this study will enable us to make a difference in the prognostication and treatment recommendations of GI and other feline lymphomas.  Long-term we hope to apply our methodologies to other types of veterinary cancers.  Not only will these techniques allow us to more accurately classify, prognosticate and treat neoplasia in animals but it also will allow us to more clearly compare animal with human cancers.