Canine mammary tumors are the most frequently observed cancer in female dogs, with an incidence that rivals the prevalence of breast cancer in humans. These tumors pose a significant health risk, with lifetime risks ranging from 2% to 20% for malignant forms and 4% to almost 100% for benign forms. Key risk factors identified include hormonal status, age, and genetic predisposition. Surgical intervention remains the primary curative approach, although more aggressive histotypes, such as solid carcinoma, may require adjunct chemotherapy. The prognosis is determined by factors such as tumor size, histological grade, degree of lymphatic and vascular invasion, and involvement of regional lymph nodes. While recent studies have focused on biological markers, broader therapeutic advancements are necessary for effective treatment.

The management of canine mammary tumors is largely governed by surgical strategies, requiring careful assessment of clinical staging, local tumor spread, and the overall condition of the patient. Despite ongoing research, there remains a lack of consensus on specific surgical protocols, particularly concerning the appropriate surgical margins necessary for optimal outcomes. Personalized treatment plans that account for individual patient variations have shown to significantly improve the effectiveness of both singular and multimodal treatment approaches. Moreover, research in canine mammary cancer offers dual benefits, directly improving canine health while providing insights that may further our understanding of breast cancer pathogenesis in humans.
This Research Topic aims to explore standard care practices for canine mammary tumors, while evaluating cutting-edge surgical and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. Gaining a deeper understanding of the patho-physiological and molecular characteristics inherent to canine tumors is crucial for integration into drug development frameworks, thus enhancing both preclinical assessments and clinical trial feasibility in tumor types with limited human patient availability.

To gather further insights into personalized treatment strategies for canine mammary tumors, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Comparative pathophysiology of canine and human breast cancer
- Novel adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies for mammary cancer
- Case studies on individualized surgical approaches
- Impacts of environmental and genetic factors on tumor progression
- Advances in diagnostic imaging for early detection and treatment planning

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Innovations and challenges in canine mammary cancer treatment: A new frontier