Electrochemotherapy of cutaneous and subcutanos tumors in catsand dogs and outcome assessments with recist

Cancer is a leading cause of death in cats and dogs, and early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving outcomes. Superficial tumors originating from the skin and subcutaneous tissues are often detected late by pet owners, delaying referral to veterinary oncology specialists. Due to their aggressive growth, these tumors are frequently treated at advanced stages, making local control more difficult. Conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are widely used but have limitations. Surgical success depends on tumor size, location, and type, and may result in cosmetic or functional issues. Chemotherapy, although commonly used as an adjuvant to prevent metastasis, often causes side effects that reduce patient tolerance. Radiotherapy can be effective but is frequently inaccessible or too costly for pet owners. As a result, alternative treatments like electrochemotherapy (ECT) are being explored for improved local tumor control. ECT enhances the uptake and cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents by applying electrical pulses to tumor cells. In this study, ECT was performed using the vetIQure™ device, which employs Tumour Specific Electroporation (TSE) technology. TSE delivers controlled and tumor-focused electric fields, improving drug uptake while minimizing unnecessary exposure of surrounding healthy tissues. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ECT for curative, adjuvant, and palliative purposes in 15 cats and 15 dogs with skin or subcutaneous tumors, regardless of histological type. Treatments were assessed using RECIST criteria. Objective response rates ranged from 72% to 100%. The findings indicate that TSE-based ECT is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for local tumor control in companion animals.