Early canine cancer detection with a simple DNA-based blood test

Sponsored by PetDx

The conversation around canine cancer detection and treatment has evolved significantly over recent years. Shedding light on innovative methods that could redefine how we approach canine healthcare, Andi Flory, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) and the Chief Medical Officer of PetDx recently discussed the transformative potential of liquid biopsy tests for dogs during a comprehensive session. These tests, centered on cell free DNA biomarkers extracted from blood, offer a revolutionary approach to detecting cancer through both quantity and quality-based analysis. By employing next-generation sequencing techniques, akin to those used in human liquid biopsy tests, these methods prove reliable and offer substantial promise in early cancer identification. This technological evolution mirrors human healthcare's emphasis on preventive screenings with advancing age. The availability of diverse blood tests tailored to different canine health scenarios signifies a crucial stride toward comprehensive cancer care in veterinary medicine.¹

Flory emphasized the pivotal role of early cancer detection, highlighting its profound impact on patient outcomes. With cancer being a leading cause of canine mortality beyond a year of age, the importance of proactive detection cannot be overstated. The introduction of OncoK9, an affordable test utilizing quantity-based analysis through next-generation sequencing, presents an important addition to wellness panels for senior dogs or those predisposed to certain breeds. This test boasts a rapid turnaround time, clear interpretive guidelines, and a strong clinical validation demonstrating its efficacy across various clinically relevant cancers.

Reference

Flory A. An Affordable New DNA-Based Blood Test to Detect Cancer in Dogs. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 conference; Long Beach, California; December 1-3, 2023.