Detection of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in dogs with lymphoma

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by malignant lymphoblasts has been identified in vitro and in vivo in mice and humans, respectively. The goals of this study were (1) to evaluate a novel single-sample TNF-a assay and (2) to determine whether TNF-a is increased in dogs with lymphoma prior to and following treatment. Canine TNF-a was analysed concurrently using the novel Siemens Immulite (R) single-sample automated ELISA and the previously validated Quantikine (R) standard ELISA. Serum from dogs with lymphoma and from breed-, age- and gender-matched control dogs was evaluated at two time points. Three of 25 (12%) dogs with lymphoma had detectable TNF-a at diagnosis, whereas none had detectable TNF-a following complete or partial remission. TNF-a was not detectable in control dogs. Despite 91% homology between human and canine TNF-a, the Immulite (R) automated ELISA failed to detect canine TNF-a. Serum TNF-a appears to have limited value as a tumour marker in dogs with lymphoma.