From the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) –
Any pet owner who has been told their animal has cancer knows the two emotions: anxiety for the beloved pet’s life, and hope for an effective treatment.
“Many people consider their dogs and cats members of the family,” says Food and Drug Administration veterinarian Lisa Troutman. “Just as the FDA reviews drugs for humans for safety and effectiveness before they can go on the market, the agency does the same for treatments for animals.”
Take, for instance, cancer, which accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Although pets of any age can have cancer, the longer they live, the greater the likelihood of developing it. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans.
“Pets are living longer because of preventative health care. And we’re able to diagnose cancers earlier. As a result there is an increased need for better cancer treatments,” Troutman notes.
For many years, the only drugs available to treat cancer in animals were those approved for use in humans. But in the last decade, veterinary drug sponsors (the pharmaceutical companies developing the drugs) have brought to market treatments meant specifically for animals.
Troutman explains, “the FDA works closely with these companies to discuss how they can demonstrate that their innovative veterinary drugs are safe and effective, and to address questions that arise while working toward approval of their drug.”
FDA-Approved Drugs for Cancer in Dogs
Troutman says that sponsors are continuing to develop innovative treatments for different types of cancer in dogs.
“We’re looking at therapies that are more targeted now,” she says. Scientists are identifying proteins or other substances unique to cancer cells and developing treatments that target those substances without harming healthy cells.
Currently, four drugs are approved to treat cancer in dogs:
- Palladia (toceranib phosphate), to treat mast cell tumors, was approved in 2009;
- Stelfonta (tigilanol tiglate injection), to treat mast cell tumors, was approved in 2020;
- Tanovea (rabacfosadine for injection), to treat lymphoma, conditionally approved in 2016 and fully approved in 2021; and
- Laverdia (verdinexor tablets), to treat lymphoma, conditionally approved in 2021 and fully approved in 2025.
To date, there are no FDA-approved treatments for cancer in cats. Most cancer treatments for dogs and cats use drugs the FDA has approved for use in humans.
What are the Warning Signs?
The warning signs of cancer in dogs are similar to those in people, Troutman says: a lump or bump, a wound that doesn’t heal, any kind of swelling, abnormal bleeding. But generally, a pet owner should keep an eye out for what Troutman calls “the basics —changes in the normal functions of eating, drinking, peeing, pooping and sleeping — and contact their veterinarian if they have concerns.
“Emotional state, such as being withdrawn and irritable, can be another sign,” she says.
Both general veterinary practitioners and veterinary oncologists, as well as other specialists, treat cancer in cats and dogs. In general, veterinary practitioners work with veterinary oncologists to provide the diagnosis and the follow-up care for the pet during treatment, which may include blood work and imaging, such as x-rays or ultrasound examinations, to monitor the animal’s progress.
There’s a fundamental difference between treating cancer in pets versus people. “Side effects from cancer treatment are usually fewer than those seen in people, and veterinarians work very hard to manage those side effects and maintain quality of life,” Troutman says. “There are even drugs that have been brought to market with the intent of managing common side effects, like vomiting or lack of appetite.”
Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
Questions that pet owners may want to ask their veterinarian and veterinary oncologist when their pet has been diagnosed with cancer include:
- What treatments are available?
- What is the prognosis with each treatment?
- What are the side effects of each treatment and how will they affect my pet’s quality of life?
- How long will I need to treat my pet?
- Will this treatment cure my pet’s cancer? Will it make him more comfortable?
- What is the cost of each treatment?
- How many visits back to the veterinarian are needed?
To learn more and to read the full article, visit FDA.gov.
