FidoCure^® Veterinary Team Blog

FidoCure is pioneering a revolutionary approach to treating canine cancer - bringing the power of precision medicine from human oncology to veterinary care. As the first and only service of its kind, FidoCure provides genomic testing to identify the unique genetic markers driving each dog's cancer. This information can guide individualized treatment plans and leverage cutting-edge targeted therapies and innovative medicines precisely matched to a patient's disease profile. Genomic sequencing can also provide valuable insights into diagnosis and prognosis, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition.

We are excited to share an inspiring and insightful episode of "The Veterinary Optimist" podcast, featuring our very own Christina Lopes, CEO and Co-Founder of The One Health Company. In this special episode, Christina opens up about her journey, from her father’s battle with cancer to the loss of several beloved family dogs, and how these experiences fueled her passion for revolutionizing cancer treatment for pets.

Christina also delves into her background working with marginalized communities, which inspired her to focus on helping voiceless beings and ultimately led her to the veterinary field. Under her leadership, FidoCure has made remarkable strides, expanding into over 1,350 veterinary clinics and treating more than 5,000 dogs with innovative AI and genomic sequencing technologies.

We invite you to listen to Christina's story and learn more about our mission to improve the lives of dogs and their families with cancer. Tune in to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to check out the full transcription of the episode below.

Thank you for being a part of the FidoCure community and supporting our mission to help over 1 million dogs live healthier, happier lives--and ultimately fight cancer on both ends of the leash.

A recent article in The New York Times, titled, "How science went to the dogs (and cats)," highlights the remarkable evolution of companion animal research over the past two decades. Once dismissed as trivial subjects, pets are now at the forefront of scientific inquiry, with researchers around the world delving deep into the bodies and minds of cats and dogs.

Mammary tumors are common in intact female dogs, especially middle-aged and older dogs of smaller breeds like Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds, though some larger breeds are also at higher risk. Hormonal exposure plays a key role, with dogs spayed before their first heat cycle having only a 0.5% risk. Treatment typically involves surgical removal, which is potentially curative if the tumor is completely removed. For more invasive, advanced or metastatic cases,. Overall prognosis is quite variable depending upon key clinical features such as histopathologic subtype, tumor size, and metastasis.

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive cancer originating from white blood cells called histiocytes that are involved in the immune system. There are three main forms, (1) localized, which presents, at least initially, at a single site such as the bones, joints, or lungs, (2) disseminated, which involves multiple organ systems at diagnosis, and (3) hemophagocytic, characterized by cancerous histiocytes destroying blood cells. HS can affect almost any organ, with certain breeds being more susceptible. The localized form is typically treated with surgical removal and chemotherapy drugs like lomustine, doxorubicin, and others, while the disseminated form is typically not surgical and most often primarily treated with chemotherapy. The prognosis varies, with disseminated HS being very poor, localized cases averaging 3-4 months, but a subset achieving longer-term survival with aggressive treatment.

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer arising from pigment-producing cells, accounting for 7% of canine tumors with certain breeds at higher risk. The most common form is oral melanoma, which affects the mouth and gums, and has the potential to metastasize. Cutaneous melanomas can also occur but are less common than oral melanomas and are often benign. Treatment typically involves surgical removal followed by radiation therapy for local disease control as well as systemic therapy given the metastatic potential. Prognosis varies based on location and stage, with median survival around 17-18 months for stage I oral melanoma post-surgery down to 3 months for stage III, but dermal and ocular forms can have better outcomes with early intervention.

As we round out National Cancer Research Month, we want to highlight the important work being done by FidoCure researchers in comparative oncology. At FidoCure, we’ve pioneered canine cancer research backed by real-world evidence and published our findings in 4 of the most prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journals. Many of these papers are go-to sources for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in cancer research. Our studies, led by FidoCure’s Head of Veterinary Research, Dr. Lucas Rodrigues, DVM, MS, PhD,  have shed light on the similarities between canine and human cancers, paving the way for novel treatment approaches that could benefit both humans and dogs alike.  Below, you can find the key points of Fidocure’s Nature, Precision Oncology, Elsevier and Veterinary & Comparative Oncology scientific papers.

One out of four pet dogs will be diagnosed with cancer throughout their lifetime. With nearly 6 million new canine cancer diagnoses each year, there is an urgent need for advanced treatments. Fortunately, FidoCure introduces advanced options into the cancer treatment toolbox for veterinarians and dogs, offering hope for improved outcomes.

Explore the history and impact of small molecules in this fascinating discussion. FidoCure’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gerry Post interviews Dr. Cheryl London about their application in canine cancer treatment.

Dr. Cheryl London is a world-renowned expert in veterinary oncology and targeted cancer therapies at Tufts University. Her pioneering work began in 2000 when she collaborated with SUGEN to develop Palladia, one of the first targeted small molecule drugs approved for veterinary use, treating canine mast cell tumors driven by KIT mutations. 

Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive, malignant tumor derived from blood vessel cells that grows rapidly, can cause severe bleeding, and has a high metastasis rate. It most commonly affects the spleen but can also occur in the heart, skin, and liver, with certain breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors at higher risk. Treatment typically involves surgical removal followed by chemotherapy, though targeted therapies and supplemental approaches like metronomic therapy and mushroom extracts are showing promise. Despite aggressive conventional treatment, prognosis remains guarded, with median survival ranging from 1-7 months depending on tumor location and whether chemotherapy is pursued after surgery.