Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy: Promising New Cancer Treatments for Pets

When a pet is diagnosed with cancer, the first question most pet parents ask is: What are my options? One of the most exciting advancements in veterinary medicine today is immunotherapy — an innovative approach that helps a pet’s own immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.

How the Immune System Works Against Cancer

A pet’s immune system is designed to detect and destroy harmful invaders, including viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells. However, some cancer cells can hide from the immune system, allowing them to grow and spread undetected.

Recent research in both human and veterinary oncology is changing that. Scientists are now discovering how to “train” the immune system to identify these hidden cancer cells — and destroy them.

What Is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy uses the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer more effectively. It is one of the fastest-growing areas of cancer research, with new studies and clinical trials emerging every year.

Many immunotherapies are still experimental, but some have already moved into clinical trial stages — and may be available to pets who qualify for participation.

How Immunotherapy Helps Pets

There are several different types of immunotherapies currently being explored in veterinary medicine, including:

• Immune boosters that strengthen the immune system to better target and destroy cancer cells.

• Cancer-specific vaccines and bioengineered immune cells that train the body to recognize and attack cancer more precisely.

• Inhibitors that block the ability of cancer cells to suppress the immune system, allowing the body to fight back.

Because each treatment works differently, it’s important to consult with a certified veterinary oncologist who can explain which options might be suitable for your pet’s condition.

Types of Cancers Being Studied for Immunotherapy

Research in both human and veterinary medicine has shown promise across many types of cancers. While most studies are ongoing, several have already led to FDA-approved immunotherapy treatments.

Here are a few examples of cancers currently being studied in pets:

Lymphoma (Lymphosarcoma)

One of the most common cancers in dogs and cats, lymphoma has several subtypes, each requiring different treatment protocols. Immunotherapy is being tested to help extend remission times and improve survival rates.

Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)

Affecting primarily large-breed dogs, osteosarcoma often requires amputation. Studies have shown that pairing surgery with immunotherapy may help slow the spread of cancer.

Hemangiosarcoma

This aggressive cancer forms in the blood vessel lining, often in the spleen. While surgery and chemotherapy remain standard treatments, new immunotherapies are exploring ways to reduce metastasis and improve outcomes.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)

A protein specific to many bladder cancers has been identified, leading to the development of targeted immunotherapies that attack cancer cells expressing that protein.

Fibrosarcoma (in Cats)

These tumors grow under the skin and can be difficult to remove completely. Immunotherapy research aims to help prevent recurrence and stop cancer from spreading.

Mast Cell Tumors

Common in dogs, these tumors can appear on the skin and spread to internal organs. A new FDA-approved intratumoral injection is now available to treat certain types of mast cell tumors directly.

The Future of Cancer Treatment for Pets

Immunotherapy represents one of the most hopeful frontiers in pet cancer treatment. As more research continues, veterinary oncologists are gaining powerful new tools to help pets live longer, healthier lives.

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, ask your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist about immunotherapy options and ongoing clinical trials. Participating in a study could open access to promising new treatments.