FidoCure^® Veterinary Team Blog

Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumors in dogs, developing from abnormal growth of mast cells, which are normally involved in allergic and immune responses. Treatment depends on tumor grade, size, and spread, ranging from surgery to radiation therapy to systemic therapies like chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy. Low-grade tumors that are completely removed with surgery carry the best prognosis while high-grade or metastatic tumors often require therapy beyond surgery and carry a more guarded prognosis. As always, consulting a veterinarian or veterinary oncologist is recommended for staging and personalized treatment planning.

FidoCure CEO Christina Lopes will present at the 2024 Animal Health Summit in Kansas City on August 26-27. The summit will showcase emerging companies and foster connections between innovators, investors, and industry leaders in animal health, nutrition, and technology. Attendees can also expect 1:1 business partnering opportunities, interactive experiences, and presentations from some of the world's leading minds in the field.

FidoCure to Transform the Precision Medicine Landscape with New Patent, Accelerating Drug Development for Dogs with Cancer

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.

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.