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Simple Summary: Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) have been suggested as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in several neoplasms in both human and veterinary medicine, among these is human cutaneous melanoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of human epidermal growth factor receptors HER-2 and HER-3 in canine melanomas and correlate their expression to clinicopathological parameters. HER-2 expression was observed in 48.6% of the samples and HER-3 expression in 18.9%, while the coexpression of the two receptors was detected in 13.5% of the samples. The expression of both markers was significantly correlated to the presence of ulceration in oral melanomas. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between the expression of HER-2 and HER-3 and the presence of ulceration in oromucosal tumors. This work confirmed the expression of HER-2 and HER-3 in canine melanomas. Further studies are necessary to investigate the prognostic and therapeutic role of EGFR family receptors in canine melanomas. Canine melanoma is a malignant and aggressive neoplasm showing clinical, histological, and molecular features similar to the human counterpart. In human medicine, epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) have already been suggested as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in cutaneous melanoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of HER-2 and HER-3 in canine melanomas by immunohistochemistry and correlate their expression to the clinicopathological parameters of the examined tumors. Thirty-seven canine melanoma samples were recruited. Data regarding signalment and clinical parameters were also collected. The population was composed of 18 cutaneous, 16 oral/mucosal, and three digital/foot pad melanomas. Histopathological investigations were carried out to analyze histological type, ulceration, and mitotic count. On each sample, immunohistochemistry was performed using an anti-Melan-A or anti-Melanoma antigen, i.e., anti-HER-2 and anti-HER-3 antibodies. HER-2 and HER-3 positivity were classified using already established scoring criteria and a statistical analysis was carried out. The results highlighted that HER-2 expression was observed in 48.6% of the samples and HER-3 expression in 18.9%. The highest HER 2 score (3+) was recorded in 16.2% of the samples, while the coexpression of the two receptors was detected in 13.5% of the samples. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between the expression of HER-2 and HER-3 and the presence of ulceration in oromucosal tumors. This work confirms the expression of HER-2 and HER-3 in canine melanomas and suggests a putative association with negative prognostic parameters. Further studies are necessary to strengthen these data by increasing the samples size and combining pathological examinations with molecular biology in the investigation of EGFR family receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy diagnosed in premenopausal women. In this age group, breast tumors tend to be diagnosed at more advanced stages and to harbor more aggressive biological features. In addition, specific age-related issues including genetic counseling, fertility preservation, impact on social and couple relationships, working life, and management of long-term side effects should be considered highly relevant when managing early breast cancer in premenopausal women. Therefore, the care of these patients is particularly complex and a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. The present review summarizes the current state of art in the adjuvant systemic treatment of premenopausal women with early breast cancer focusing on the optimal chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy approaches in this specific patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]