Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs in North America.
Unfortunately, only about 12% of canine cancer is detected before it causes symptoms. We know from experience in humans that early detection of cancer is critical in saving lives.
Recently, scientists have developed a cancer test for dogs that uses a blood sample. This may allow veterinarians to find cancer much earlier, leading to better survival rates for our four-legged friends.
KEY POINTS
- OncoK9® (liquid biopsy) is a blood test that can identify many cancers in dogs.
- A positive result on the test has a high degree of accuracy.
- The tests are recommended for monitoring dogs with a high risk of cancer and diagnosing cancer in difficult-to-access areas of the body.
Understanding Cancer in Dogs
Cancer occurs when body cells grow out of control and spread to other parts. It is a major problem for our canine companions, causing over 30% of adult dog deaths in North America.(1)
It happens as a result of changes to normal DNA. As cancer grows, it spreads to other parts of the body. These abnormal cells can disrupt normal body functions so much that the animal eventually dies.
In cancer treatment, the best advantage is to find cancer when it is small and localized. That’s not always easy when it’s inside a dog’s body where you can’t see it.
That’s where this new cancer screening technology comes in.
How the Test Works
This new cancer screening test is sometimes referred to as “liquid biopsy” because it uses blood instead of a solid tissue biopsy.
The test revolves around the fact that cancer cells release bits of their abnormal, mutated DNA into a dog’s bloodstream. Your veterinarian simply collects some blood and submits it to a laboratory for testing.
After the sample is received at the lab, a special process separates blood into its components to extract DNA. This DNA is then copied many times and analyzed. A sophisticated computer method, known as bioinformatics, examines the DNA for abnormal sequences that signal cancer.
This technology makes it easier to spot cancer early, offering a better chance to treat it effectively.
Breakthrough Technology & Proven Accuracy
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association highlights the effectiveness of the OncoK9 Screen test. (2)
It examined nearly 2,000 dogs, marking it as significant research in veterinary cancer detection. The OncoK9 test successfully identified cancer in 70% of dogs that were also diagnosed by other methods. Plus, it was very reliable, rarely indicating cancer in dogs that were actually cancer-free.
The company now has another test option that offers a quicker and more affordable option for cancer screening in dogs, making early cancer detection accessible to more families.
Two Test Options Available
PetDx’s offerings now include two versions of the liquid biopsy test.
According to PetDx’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Andi Flory, “[The new] OncoK9 Screen is intended to be priced to the pet owner as an easy add-on to the wellness panel. One important feature of OncoK9 Screen is that veterinarians receive actionable results and easy-to-understand next steps, without the need to order any additional testing.”
Here’s a comparison to help you understand their different applications and features:
| Feature | OncoK9® SCREEN | OncoK9® Dx |
| Use Case | Wellness screening for dogs not suspected of having cancer. | -Wellness screening. -Aiding diagnosis in dogs suspected to have cancer. -Post-cancer treatment monitoring. |
| Cancer Types Detected | 7 validated types, with potential for detecting 30+ types. | 30+ types (6) |
| Turnaround Time | 2-4 days | 7-10 days |
| Results Provided | High or low probability of cancer. | YES: cancer detected or NO: cancer not detected |
| Cost | About half the cost of OncoK9 Dx test. (4) | Estimated $500-900 but will vary by location and time. |
Benefits of Early Cancer Detection
So what are some situations where your veterinarian might recommend using this new technology?
- Wellness Screening for High-Risk Dogs: Dogs over the age of 8 years are more likely to develop cancer. Some breeds also have a higher risk. If OncoK9 detects cancer, more testing may be needed to locate it.
- Aid in Diagnosis: Sometimes tumors are found in places that are difficult to access for a biopsy. In other cases, symptoms are highly suspicious of cancer but no tumor is apparent. In both cases, a liquid biopsy can be used to try to rule in cancer. Remember, if the test is negative, it does not rule out cancer.
Limitations of the Test
The OncoK9 test technology is a welcomed advancement in diagnosing canine cancer but it does have some limitations.
- These tests can detect many, but not all types of cancer at this time.(6)
- A positive test result is highly predictive of cancer but a negative result is somewhat less accurate. A dog could have a type of cancer not detected by this test or the cancer may be too small to shed a detectable amount of abnormal DNA.
- With a positive test result, further testing will be needed to identify the location and type of cancer.
The OncoK9 tests have some current limitations, yet they represent the cutting edge of veterinary medicine. Future advancements are expected to enhance these tools, offering new possibilities in canine cancer care.
Looking Ahead
Looking into the future, liquid biopsy technology for canine cancer detection is set to become more precise and widely available. As research progresses, we may see tests that can identify a broader range of cancers and pinpoint their origins more accurately.
Vets and dog owners play an important role in embracing these advancements. By staying informed and choosing to use these innovative tests, they can work together to catch cancer early and improve the health outcomes for dogs. This collaborative approach will be key to integrating new science into everyday care.
You can learn more about the OncoK9 test on the PetDx website.
Talk to your veterinarian about whether liquid biopsy testing for cancer is a good option for your dog.
