Precision Diagnosis and Targeted Therapies in Companion Animal Oncology

Precision diagnosis and targeted therapy in veterinary oncology represent a rapidly advancing, individualized approach to cancer care in animals. Diagnosis relies on a combination of advanced imaging, surgical biopsy, and histopathology, which remain essential for confirming tumor type, grade, and margins. These are complemented by immunohistochemistry, molecular profiling, and liquid biopsy to identify specific mutations and biomarkers. Such detailed characterization guides targeted therapies, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and supports the growing use of immunotherapy, which harnesses the animal’s immune system to recognize and combat cancer cells. Depending on the tumor, surgery represent an important step for the treatment and management of oncologic patients. Nowadays minimally-invasive technique, new approaches and multimodal treatment can improve the oncologic outcome and reduce patient morbidity Together, these precision-based strategies aim to improve treatment outcomes, reduce side effects, and extend survival, bringing veterinary oncology closer to the personalized care models established in human medicine.



Precision diagnosis and targeted therapy in veterinary oncology are advancing rapidly, yet several key challenges persist. Limited availability of species-specific molecular and genomic data hampers the development of tailored diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. Additionally, a lack of standardized guidelines for the application and interpretation of advanced diagnostics — including immunohistochemistry, next-generation sequencing, and liquid biopsy — leads to variability in tumor classification and treatment planning. The approval and veterinary-specific validation of targeted therapies and immunotherapeutics remain limited, restricting evidence-based options for clinical use. Furthermore, tumor heterogeneity and the emergence of resistance mechanisms complicate the long-term efficacy of targeted agents. Addressing these issues requires the establishment of standardized diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, expanded multicenter clinical trials, and the development of species-specific molecular databases. Integrating multimodal strategies, including surgery, histopathology, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, with molecular monitoring will be essential for improving precision oncology outcomes in veterinary patients.



For a special issue on precision diagnosis and targeted therapy in veterinary oncology, authors should address pivotal themes advancing personalized cancer care in animals. Key topics include standardization of diagnostic protocols, covering histopathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular profiling, and advanced diagnostic imaging techniques. Papers should explore species-specific molecular databases, updates on novel targeted therapies and immunotherapeutics, and mechanisms of tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. Contributions on multimodal treatments based on the integration of surgical oncology and radiotherapy within precision treatment plans, margin assessment, image-guided surgery, minimal invasive approaches and stereotactic radiotherapy, are highly relevant. Additionally, manuscripts focusing on molecular and imaging-based monitoring of treatment response and disease progression are encouraged. Emphasis on multicenter collaborative studies, veterinary-specific clinical trial frameworks, and the development of evidence-based, standardized guidelines for combining surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision diagnostics would provide significant value to the field.

Type of manuscripts:

- Original studies

- Review papers

Article types and fees

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• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: oncology, therapy, diagnosis, companion animals, surgery, imaging, pathology

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