Canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) exhibit diverse biological behavior, ranging from lesions cured with surgical excision alone to highly aggressive neoplasms associated with metastasis and cancer-related mortality. Historically, assessment of clinically aggressive behavior relied on histologic appearance and clinical staging. Advances in pathology, molecular diagnostics, and understanding of tumor biology have reshaped our understanding of disease behavior. This session will explore the evolution of risk assessment in canine MCTs, from traditional morphologic grading systems to recent approaches that incorporate proliferation indices, KIT expression patterns, c-kit mutational analysis, and lymph node evaluation. Attendees will also examine emerging concepts involving the tumor microenvironment, tumor heterogeneity, genomic profiling and liquid biopsy-based testing for detection of tumor-associated biomarkers. Through review of key studies and recent literature, participants will gain a practical understanding for integrating diagnostic information to improve prediction of tumor aggressiveness, guide therapeutic decisions, and communicate prognostic assessment in dogs with mast cell neoplasia.

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