Spotlight on Nenninger Lab

Dr. Ariel Nenninger
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pathology

Research Area
Dr. Ariel Nenninger conducts research primarily in the area of oncopathology, while focusing on cytologic and histologic correlation of certain neoplasms and validation of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers. At this time, she is working on cytologic and histologic correlation of malignant perianal tumors, specifically apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) and perianal gland carcinoma and using IHC markers cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and cytokeratin 14 (CK14) to assist in histologic differentiation when the tumor is anaplastic.

Origins
As a clinical pathologist, Dr. Nenninger says cytologic and histologic correlation allows for greater confidence when making a cytologic diagnosis, especially when it’s a malignant neoplasm. “Cytology is a faster and less invasive diagnostic modality,” Nenninger says. “If an accurate cytologic diagnosis can be made, treatment can be pursued sooner and may improve patient outcomes.”

Publications
Dr. Kelly Hubbard has presented the IHC data as a poster presentation at the American College of Veterinary Pathologists annual meeting. This fall, she will give an oral presentation on the cytologic and histologic correlates at the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians annual meeting.

Results
Early results indicate that cytologic and histologic correlation of malignant perianal tumors is high, increasing the confidence of a cytologic diagnosis. Additionally, IHC markers for CK7 and CK14 have shown good diagnostic utility to help differentiate anaplastic malignant perianal tumors when histopathology is not enough. This will ensure the most accurate treatment for patients.

Research Benefits
Correlating cytologic and histologic diagnoses as well as IHC markers to help differentiate malignant perianal tumors when morphology alone is not enough. Dr. Nenninger says prognoses and treatments can differ significantly between those two neoplasms, affecting patient outcomes and providing owners with the most accurate information possible.

Research Team
Dr. Ariel Nenninger
Clinical Pathology Resident: Dr. Kelly Hubbard