Veterinary Oncology: New Treatments & Research for Treating Pet Cancer
The field of veterinary oncology is constantly advancing with new ways to help pets with cancer. These advancements mean that a cancer diagnosis for a pet does not have to be as scary as it once was. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we are committed to staying up-to-date on advancements in veterinary oncology, including the following new treatments and research:
Rabacfosadine Injection
In the past, many pet cancer treatments were borrowed from human medicine. While they were effective in specific ways, they were not explicitly designed for pets’ bodies and immune systems. Rabacfosadine injection is a treatment that is created with the sole purpose of targeting canine lymphoma. While there are some potential side effects for dogs who get this treatment, overall, it targets lymphoma cells in dogs with a positive success rate.
Maropitant Citrate
This medication can help ease symptoms of nausea in pets going through chemotherapy. As with human medicine, vomiting and motion sickness following chemotherapy treatments can decrease quality of life. Advancements like these can significantly improve how a pet feels while getting cancer treatment, which can help them get back to enjoying their lives sooner.
Canine Melanoma Vaccine
The canine melanoma vaccine, DNA, has had a strong success rate in dogs suffering from canine oral melanoma. Traditional chemotherapy is not an effective treatment for canine melanoma. This new vaccine injects a human antigen that the canine immune system recognizes as a foreign body, which triggers an immune response to target the melanoma.
Pinpointing the MDR1 Mutation
Thanks to new advancements in treatment and research, scientists can now spot the MDR1 mutation in dogs. A dog’s system is more sensitive to treatments with P-glycoprotein substrates when this mutation is present. Knowing this mutation is present can help oncologists find the most effective treatment options for dogs with cancer.
Urine Testing
Scientists are working on perfecting a minimally invasive urine test to help find mutations in some cancer cells. They are currently studying how to use this test less as a diagnostic tool and instead to find signs of cancer early enough that it doesn’t have a chance to invade muscles or other tissues. These and other advancements in screening and treatment options give pets a better chance than ever at beating cancer.
At OVRS, we stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatments in veterinary oncology. We are excited about upcoming advances and are committed to offering you and your pets the best treatment options available. Visit our website to learn more about our oncology services, or book a consultation at (248) 334-6877.
