CNYACE CE Event: Topics in Oncology

Topics in Oncology:
Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma, What We Know, What We Need
Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats
Are We On the Verge of Having a SNAP Test for Canine Cancer?

Presented by: Brian Husbands, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma: What We Know, What We Need

This lecture will provide an overview of canine splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA), focusing on current knowledge and emerging treatment options. Attendees will learn about the various types of splenic masses in dogs with a detailed exploration of the characteristics, prevalence, and diagnostic challenges associated with splenic HSA. The session will also cover the clinical significance of different diagnostic tools and imaging techniques, emphasizing their roles in predicting malignancy and guiding treatment decisions.

In addition to standard treatment protocols, such as splenectomy and chemotherapy, the lecture will introduce novel therapies that may enhance patient outcomes. These include metronomic chemotherapy, eBAT therapy, and the use of herbal supplements like Yunnan Baiyao and Coriolus versicolor extract. Attendees will gain insights into the latest research, practical applications, and potential benefits of these newer approaches, as well as the challenges and limitations that remain in the management of this aggressive and often devastating disease.

Learning Objectives:

1.    Evaluate the clinical factors and imaging techniques used to predict the malignancy of splenic masses in dogs, understanding the limitations of current diagnostic methods.
2.    Discuss the standard treatment options for canine splenic hemangiosarcoma, including the role of splenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy, and analyze their impact on survival outcomes.
3.    Understand the use of emerging therapies and adjunctive treatments for canine splenic hemangiosarcoma, including the use of metronomic chemotherapy, eBAT therapy, β-adrenergic antagonists (propranolol) and the use of herbal supplements [Yunnan Baiyao and Coriolus versicolor (mushroom) extract], assessing potential benefits and the limitations.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats

This session provides a detailed exploration of urothelial carcinoma (UC) in dogs and cats, focusing on pragmatic approaches to diagnosis and management. Urothelial carcinoma, the most common primary bladder tumor in dogs, presents unique diagnostic challenges. The session will guide participants through the various diagnostic tools available, from urine cytology and bladder mass sampling to advanced methods including the BRAF test. Attendees will learn how to evaluate the pros and cons of these tests and determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach based on clinical presentation and patient history.
Treatment strategies will also be thoroughly examined, including NSAIDs, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and newer therapies including BRAF inhibitors. The discussion will address how to tailor treatment plans based on tumor location, the presence of metastasis, and individual patient needs, with an emphasis on improving quality of life. Additionally, the session will cover the management of common complications, such as secondary urinary tract infections and urethral obstructions. Clinical cases will be presented to highlight practical applications, offering participants actionable insights that can be immediately implemented in their veterinary practice.

Learning Objectives:

1.    Understand the epidemiology and risk factors of urothelial carcinoma in dogs - participants will be able to identify the prevalence, types, and breed-associated risk factors of urothelial carcinoma in canine patients, along with environmental and physiological contributors to disease development.
2.    Evaluate diagnostic approaches for confirming urothelial carcinoma - participants will learn to assess the pros and cons of various diagnostic tests for urothelial carcinoma, including urine cytology, advanced imaging techniques, and BRAF testing, and determine the most appropriate methods based on clinical presentation.
3.    Describe available treatment options and management strategies for urothelial carcinoma - participants will gain knowledge of the available treatment options for urothelial carcinoma, including NSAIDs, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and novel approaches (i.e., BRAF inhibitors), and understand how to apply these treatments to improve patient quality of life.
4.    Describe the outcomes of urothelial carcinoma in cats, much less commonly seen compared to dogs.  

Are We On the Verge of a SNAP Test for Canine Cancer?

During this session, we will delve into the promising advancements in diagnostics and treatments in veterinary oncology. With cancer affecting 1 in 4 dogs during their lifetime and approximately 50% of dogs over 10 years old, understanding and improving diagnostic tools is critical. The lecture will cover the limitations of current diagnostic methods, including minimum databases and traditional surrogates like serum thymidine kinase and C-reactive protein. We will explore the potential for liquid biopsy - a minimally invasive technique that analyzes circulating tumor cells and nucleic acids - to detect cancer earlier which carries the potential to improve outcomes.
In addition to discussing the current efficacy of liquid biopsies, including the limitations, we will discuss precision medicine in veterinary oncology. Precision medicine focuses on screening to cellular changes present that might be best treated with targeted therapies. Attendees will gain insights into the future of cancer diagnostics and treatment in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the need for continued research and adaptation of novel approaches to improve patient care.

Learning Objectives:

1.    Evaluate the role and mechanism of liquid biopsy in canine cancer detection - participants will learn how liquid biopsy can be used to detect cancer in dogs, including the advantages and limitations of this non-invasive diagnostic approach.
2.    Analyze the clinical implications of liquid biopsy results - parrticipants will understand the significance of false positives and false negatives in liquid biopsy results and how these findings can influence the clinical decision-making process in veterinary oncology.
3.    Understand the application of precision medicine and its relationship to targeted therapies in veterinary oncology - participants will gain knowledge of the emerging role of precision medicine in treating canine cancer, including the use of targeted therapies and the implications of genetic mutations on treatment.