Latest Advances in Veterinary Oncology: What Pet Owners Should Know

Veterinary oncology has come a long way in recent years, offering new hope and better outcomes for pets diagnosed with cancer. From immunotherapy to targeted drugs and precision medicine, today’s cutting-edge treatments aim not only to extend survival but also to enhance quality of life. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the latest breakthroughs in cancer care for animals and discuss how these innovative approaches can integrate with palliative or hospice care plans.

The Evolving Landscape of Veterinary Oncology

Historically, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy have formed the cornerstones of cancer treatment in pets. While these modalities remain crucial, research and technological advancements have opened the door to more nuanced and personalised therapies. 

This means there are now more ways to target specific tumour types, reduce side effects, and ultimately support pets’ well-being.

1. Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Body’s Defence System

Immunotherapy leverages a pet’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. Instead of directly killing tumour cells with chemicals or radiation, immunotherapies stimulate or modulate the immune response to recognise and attack abnormal cells.

Examples of Immunotherapy in Pets

• Canine Melanoma Vaccine

  • One of the most well-known immunotherapies in veterinary medicine, this vaccine targets melanoma tumour cells, particularly effective for oral melanomas in dogs.

  • Though called a “vaccine,” it’s used therapeutically, not preventively.

• Monoclonal Antibody Treatments

  • Emerging therapies that use lab-created proteins to bind to specific targets on cancer cells, marking them for destruction.

  • Can help block growth signals or recruit immune cells to fight tumours.

  • Currently only in use in humans, this developing area may become available to our furry friends in the future

Potential Benefits

• Fewer Side Effects: By enlisting the immune system rather than relying on broad-spectrum drugs, some pets experience less toxicity and fewer adverse reactions.

• Combination Therapy: Often used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy to maximise effectiveness.

2. Targeted Therapies: Precision at the Molecular Level

Targeted therapies focus on specific molecules or pathways essential for cancer cell growth. In other words, instead of attacking all rapidly dividing cells (as traditional chemotherapy does), these drugs zero in on tumour-specific markers.

Examples of Targeted Therapies

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)

• Toceranib (Palladia) and Masitinib are examples commonly used in dogs to treat mast cell tumours.

• These drugs inhibit certain cellular signals that drive tumour growth and blood vessel formation.

Tigilanol tiglate

• A relatively new advancement in the treatment of MCTs in dogs

• Suitable for MCTs on the skin surface anywhere on the body, and those under the skin on the limbs

• Offers a non-surgical alternative to treatment, though most dogs will need some sedation for the treatment.

Hormone-Targeting Drugs

• Useful in cancers influenced by hormones, such as some mammary tumours.

• Block the hormonal signals that may fuel tumour proliferation.

Potential Benefits

• More Focused Action: Because they’re designed to interact with tumour-specific pathways, targeted therapies can offer a better therapeutic window—destroying cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

• Reduced Collateral Damage: Although side effects can still occur (e.g., gastrointestinal upset, changes in blood counts), they are often less severe than those linked with conventional chemotherapy.

3. Precision Medicine: Personalising Treatment

Whilst not yet available in the Veterinary field, precision medicine in human oncology takes the concept of targeted therapies one step further. By analysing the genetic profile of a tumour, doctors can identify unique mutations or markers.

Armed with this information, clinicians can tailor treatments—be it immunotherapy, targeted drugs, or chemotherapy—to match the cancer’s specific biology.

Key Components of Precision Medicine

• Genetic Testing & Tumour Profiling

  • Doctors can send tumour samples to specialised labs for DNA sequencing or biomarker analysis.

  • Results reveal targetable mutations and potential drug sensitivities.

• Personalised Drug Protocols

  • Based on genetic insights, a customised treatment plan can be devised—choosing drugs with the highest chance of success and minimising guesswork.

Potential Benefits

• Optimised Efficacy: By honing in on what truly drives a particular tumour’s growth, treatments are more likely to yield meaningful responses.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Although precision diagnostics can be expensive, they may reduce trial-and-error treatments in the long run.

Integrating Cutting-Edge Treatments with Palliative & Hospice Care

Even with advanced treatments, some cancers remain chronic or terminal. In these instances, the focus often shifts to palliative or hospice care to maximise comfort and quality of life. Here’s how new oncology options fit into this framework:

1. Prolonged Comfort

   • Immunotherapy and targeted drugs may control tumour growth without the harsh side effects of traditional therapies, allowing pets to maintain better day-to-day well-being.

   • This can be especially important in hospice settings, where comfort is the priority.

2. Combination Approaches

   • Low-dose targeted therapy might be paired with pain management, nutritional support, and other palliative measures.

   • The goal: to maintain tumour control while ensuring minimal stress on the pet.

3. Bespoke Care Plans

   • Ensuring that every intervention—from palliative to curative—is tailored to the individual pet’s condition.

   • This can include adjusting drug regimens or focusing on symptom relief if the cancer is no longer responding to curative treatments.

4. Support for Pet Owners

   • In-home hospice services can work alongside veterinary oncologists. Regular monitoring of treatment effects helps ensure that advanced therapies remain aligned with quality-of-life goals.

Questions to Ask Your Vet

If you’re considering any of these advanced oncology options for your pet, here are a few key points to discuss:

1. Suitability: Does your pet’s specific cancer type or genetic profile make them a good candidate for immunotherapy or targeted therapy?

2. Side Effects: What are the potential risks or adverse reactions, and how can they be managed?

3. Cost & Availability: Are these treatments available nearby, and what are the financial considerations? Are there clinical trials that might reduce costs?

4. Integration with Palliative/Hospice Care: How can these advanced treatments be adjusted to maintain focus on comfort and quality of life?

Final Thoughts

The rapid pace of research in veterinary oncology offers renewed optimism for pet owners confronting a cancer diagnosis. These innovations provide more targeted and often gentler pathways to care. Even in situations where cure is not possible, advanced therapies can be adapted to support palliative or hospice care goals, ensuring your beloved companion remains comfortable and well-supported.

If your pet is facing a cancer diagnosis, speak with a veterinary oncologist to explore all available options and craft a comprehensive plan suited to your pet’s medical needs and your family’s preferences. With the right guidance and a proactive approach, you can make informed decisions that honour both your pet’s health and quality of life.