Cancer in pets is a stark reality affecting 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 6 cats, with about half of older dogs succumbing to cancer-related issues. In addition to this, tumors, particularly skin tumors, drive 29% of dog euthanasia cases! In this regard, electrochemotherapy is turning out to be a game-changer in cancer care. Let’s cut through the noise and dive into the essentials of this revolutionary approach.
Back in 2012, the European Society of Veterinary Oncology (ESVONC) highlighted this startling statistic. Nearly a quarter of our canine companions and one-sixth of our feline friends are destined to suffer from cancer at some point in their life. In fact, half the dogs over the age of 10 find themselves in the clutches of cancer-related disorders. A subsequent 2013 ESVONC report indicated that the quality of life for companion animals is a significant concern for owners, with an estimated 29% of dog euthanasia attributed to the presence of tumors. Notably, almost 35% of tumors in dogs are cutaneous tumors (ENVN, 2013).
The New Revolutionary Technology in Pet Cancer Care
Effectively managing the progression of tumor lesions is crucial in cancer treatment, and surgery remains a primary weapon in this fight. However, the feasibility of surgery is often hindered by factors like tumor location or size, necessitating additional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Yet, there are instances where these traditional treatments prove inadequate. Enter Electrochemotherapy, a novel and locally applicable approach that is both effective and selective. This cutting-edge cancer treatment for animals stands out for its safety and compatibility with other treatments. Electrochemotherapy is used either as an adjuvant to surgery or as the primary treatment for palliative or curative purposes.
Until recently, this cutting-edge treatment was a privilege of a select few pet wellness hubs in the US and Europe. But MaxPetZ Hospitals, whose Oncology department is headed by Dr Leena Dalal, has brought Electrochemotherapy to India, marking a pivotal moment in their mission to revolutionize animal cancer care.
The process involves the systemic or local delivery of drugs like bleomycin and cisplatin, coupled with the application of permeabilizing electric pulses through a veterinary-specific electroporation device. These electrical pulses enhance the penetration of chemotherapy drugs, particularly bleomycin, into cancer cells, boosting absorption by up to a thousandfold. Electrochemotherapy has proven successful in treating cancer forms typically unresponsive to standard chemotherapy.
It is notably most effective for skin tumors and tumors accessible by probes. This includes mast cell tumors in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, mammary tumors, anal and perianal tumors, aural and oral masses, and some nasal tumors. The success rate of Electrochemotherapy is an impressive 80%, with results often lasting longer compared to cases treated with chemotherapy alone. In contrast, surgical treatment boasts a success rate of 50%.
The Electrochemotherapy Experience: What Pet Parents Need to Know
If you do choose to go for this treatment option for your pet, here’s what you can expect:
1. Each tumor is individually examined and treated.
2. The specialist selects the appropriate electrodes for treatment and prepares chemotherapy drugs (typically cisplatin or bleomycin). These
drugs may be administered intravenously or injected directly into the tumor.
3. General anesthesia or a potent sedative is administered.
4.Electric pulses are delivered to the tumor, with frequency and intervals adjusted based on the cancer type and the type of electrode used.
5. The dog is usually hospitalized for up to two hours until conscious and stable.
6. Most dogs will undergo one to three treatments.
Electrochemotherapy stands as a beacon of hope for our pets and pet parents facing the challenges of cancer treatment. With its impressive success rate and compatibility with traditional treatments, it’s not just a procedure; it’s a breakthrough that redefines our approach to pet cancer care.
The author is the Senior Veterinary Surgon and Oncologist, MaxPetZ.