Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common oral tumor in dogs, arising from the lining of the gums and mouth. Treatment typically involves a multimodal approach, combining local therapies like surgery and radiation with systemic chemotherapy. However, traditional chemotherapy has limited efficacy, especially for tumors with higher metastatic potential like those in the tonsils or back of the mouth. As a result, targeted oral therapies like Palladia, are increasingly being used to improve outcomes.

Treatment Options

Due to the nature of this disease, a combination of local therapy (surgery and/or radiation therapy) and systemic therapy (chemotherapy) is often recommended, particularly in cases with a higher risk of metastasis. In most cases, removing part of the jawbone can help prevent disease recurrence. Radiation therapy can be used alone or following surgery in cases where there was an incomplete resection. When radiation is used alone, the goal is to slow the growth of the mass and improve the patient’s comfort.

However, since there has been limited success with injectable chemotherapy, targeted therapies have also been used to treat this disease. Palladia is an oral targeted therapy that inhibits proteins that promote cancer growth and has been shown to make tumors disappear, shrink, or stop growing. Palladia can be administered at home but requires regular rechecks to access response and monitor for any side effects.

In addition to Palladia, other targeted therapy options for canine SCC include trametinib and sorafenib. Trametinib, an FDA-approved drug for treating certain types of melanoma in humans, has shown promising results in dogs by significantly slowing or stopping cancer cell growth. Sorafenib, used in humans to treat specific kidney, liver, and thyroid cancers, has demonstrated potential in canine medicine as well. While research indicates it's a good candidate for dogs with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, it's also being utilized in cases of squamous cell carcinoma. These targeted therapies offer new avenues for treatment, improving outcomes for our canine companions with SCC. Like Palladia, both these targeted therapies can also be administered at home and require regular rechecks with a veterinarian.

Prognosis

Due to the risk of recurrence and metastasis, the prognosis for oral squamous cell carcinoma varies based on its location. If the mandible or maxilla is affected, dogs can live between 1.5 and 2 years on average following complete surgical excision. However, the average survival time is approximately 6 months if the tonsil is affected.

For the most accurate prognosis and treatment recommendations for your dog with squamous cell carcinoma, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist. They can provide personalized guidance based on your dog's specific case, considering factors such as cancer stage, grade, tumor location, and concurrent health issues.