We are pleased to be able to offer this revolutionary new treatment!
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has been gaining popularity in Veterinary Oncology over the last decade to treat a variety of cancers in dogs and cats. ECT combines localized (or occasionally systemic) administration of chemotherapy followed by the application of electrical pulses to the tumor or site of previous tumor removal. The application of electrical pulses following injection of chemotherapy creates small pores in the membrane of the cancer cells allowing the chemotherapy to enter the cell at higher concentrations than would be achieved with the chemotherapy alone. The ultimate result is increased uptake of chemotherapy into the cancer cells leading to improved rates of cancer cell death.
ECT is most commonly used in combination with surgery for cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors. The goal of electrochemotherapy following surgery is to kill any residual disease at the surgical site effectively preventing or delaying regrowth of the tumor.
ECT can be used as an alternative to surgery for small tumors, large non-resectable tumors or recurrent tumors.
Electrochemotherapy offers an alternative treatment option for clients not able to travel far distances for radiation therapy and requires a fewer number of treatments compared to most radiation protocols. 1-2 sessions of ECT is generally recommended depending on the characteristics of the tumor being treated.
ECT is safe for dogs and cats and is a valuable asset to control many common cancers affecting the skin of our pets including (but not limited to):
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- Vaccine Associated or Injection Site Sarcomas in Cats
- Mast Cell Tumors
- Squamous Cell Carcinomas (head and neck cancer)
- Perianal Tumors
If you have a pet that might benefit from ECT, or you have any questions regarding the ECT treatment process, please contact Krystal Harris, DVM, (Practice Limited to Oncology) at (206)204-3366.