Thesis abstract:

Feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) represent approximately 15% of all feline skin neoplasms and are the most common malignant cutaneous tumours of cats. Recent research suggests that feline papillomaviruses (in particular Felis catus papillomavirus type 2 [FcaPV-2]) are involved in the oncogenesis of feline SCCs, similar to human papillomaviruses (HPV) and cervical cancer. The aim of this laboratory retrospective case-control study is to describe the expression of proteins p16 and p53 by immunohistochemistry, and the presence of FcaPV-2 DNA by quantitative PCR in feline cutaneous SCCs and its premalignant lesions: actinic keratosis (AK) and Bowenoid in situ carcinomas (BISC). The goal of this study is to contribute to a greater understanding of the oncogenic potential of FcaPV-2 and its link to feline cutaneous SCCs including its premalignant lesions.