Author: Dr. Cynthia Maro - Integrative Veterinarian, Cynthia Maro, DVM, CVA, CAC, VMRT, VNAET Cynthia Maro discusses how veterinary oncology is undergoing a transformation, providing hope to countless pet owners facing a cancer diagnosis in their dogs. With advancements in targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, veterinarians are now able to offer more effective treatment options than ever before. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in dogs, but innovative research and new clinical applications are extending survival rates and improving quality of life. Cynthia Maro emphasizes that while a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, emerging treatments give both veterinarians and pet owners more tools to combat this disease.
Cynthia Maro highlights that cancer in dogs shares many similarities with human cancers, from genetic predispositions to environmental risk factors. Common cancers such as lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma have historically had limited treatment options, often leaving pet owners with difficult decisions regarding quality of life and euthanasia. However, advances in veterinary oncology are now providing longer survival times and, in some cases, complete remission.
The increasing prevalence of cancer in dogs is partially due to improved veterinary care and longer lifespans. Cynthia Maro explains that as more dogs live well into their senior years, age-related cancers become more common. The good news is that veterinary medicine is evolving rapidly, and researchers are focusing on developing therapies that not only treat cancer but also minimize the side effects traditionally associated with chemotherapy and radiation.
One of the most exciting areas of development in veterinary oncology is immunotherapy. Cynthia Maro explains that this approach leverages a dog’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can have widespread toxic effects, immunotherapy offers a more precise and less invasive alternative. Cancer vaccines, such as the melanoma vaccine used in dogs, have shown promising results in extending survival times and preventing recurrence.
In addition to immunotherapy, targeted therapies are making a significant impact. Cynthia Maro points out that researchers are now able to identify specific genetic mutations in canine cancers, allowing for customized treatments that attack tumors at the molecular level. This precision medicine approach minimizes damage to healthy cells, reducing side effects while increasing efficacy. These targeted drugs, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are already being used successfully for certain types of canine cancers, including mast cell tumors.
Cynthia Maro discusses how radiation therapy has advanced significantly in recent years, offering more refined techniques that allow for greater accuracy in targeting tumors. Stereotactic radiation, for example, delivers high doses of radiation with pinpoint precision, reducing damage to surrounding tissues. This approach is especially beneficial for cancers in delicate locations, such as the brain or spine, where traditional surgery may not be an option.
Surgical advancements are also playing a key role in improving cancer outcomes for dogs. Cynthia Maro explains that minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic tumor removal and robotic-assisted surgeries, are helping to reduce recovery times and improve overall success rates. By combining surgery with post-operative targeted therapy or immunotherapy, veterinarians can now offer a more comprehensive approach to cancer treatment.
As in human medicine, clinical trials are a crucial component of advancing cancer treatment for dogs. Cynthia Maro emphasizes that participation in veterinary clinical trials not only gives pets access to cutting-edge therapies but also contributes to valuable research that benefits future generations of dogs. Many veterinary research institutions are partnering with pharmaceutical companies to develop and test new treatments, from gene therapies to novel drug combinations that aim to halt tumor progression.
While not all dogs qualify for clinical trials, Cynthia Maro encourages pet owners to explore this option, especially if conventional treatments have been exhausted. These trials are paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries that may one day turn fatal cancers into manageable conditions.
Beyond curative treatments, maintaining a dog’s quality of life is a top priority in veterinary oncology. Cynthia Maro stresses that cancer management is not just about extending lifespan but also about ensuring comfort and well-being. Palliative care, including pain management, nutritional support, and holistic therapies, plays a crucial role in keeping dogs happy and active for as long as possible.
New developments in integrative medicine, such as tumor vaccines, Innovarius Sanawave -radiofrequency hyperthermia coupled with resonant sound frequencies and nanoparticle iron infusions, acupuncture, western and TCM herbal therapies, are being incorporated into cancer treatment plans to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, suppress tumor growth and support overall immune function. Targeted ozone therapy in tumor sites is also showing beneficial results. Cynthia Maro notes that while these therapies may not replace traditional cancer treatments, they can complement them to enhance a dog’s overall well-being.
With continued research and advancements in veterinary oncology, the outlook for dogs diagnosed with cancer is improving. Cynthia Maro believes that ongoing innovation will lead to even more effective treatments with fewer side effects, allowing dogs to live longer and healthier lives. As more veterinarians embrace personalized medicine, the ability to tailor treatments to individual patients will become the standard, making canine cancer care more precise and effective.
Although cancer remains a serious challenge, Cynthia Maro reminds pet owners that they are not without hope. By staying informed, seeking specialized care, and exploring emerging treatment options, they can make empowered decisions that give their beloved pets the best possible chance at a longer, fulfilling life.
