Liquid biopsy technologies offer new insights and approaches for canine cancer detection and management.
Robertson J, Issa AS, Dervisis N, McGuire K, Tuohy J, Rossmeisl J, Marine B, Jodar L, Marconato L, Fonseca-Alves C, Feiock C, Conner B, Fesler EB, Ngo L, Asl RS, Luczko M, White C, Senger R · Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 10 June 2026
Liquid biopsy is a promising minimally invasive cancer detection tool in veterinary medicine.
Liquid biopsy (LBx) represents a minimally invasive approach to cancer detection through analysis of biological fluids including blood, urine, saliva, and secretions to identify cancer biomarkers and circulating tumor cells. While increasingly utilized in human oncology, adoption in veterinary medicine remains limited. Liquid biopsy offers significant advantages over traditional tissue biopsy, including reduced invasiveness and fewer complications; however, it is not intended as a replacement for tissue biopsy. Current applications in human oncology are primarily investigational due to cost and technological requirements. Although early-stage cancer detection potential exists, clinical efficacy remains unproven in both human and canine patients. Multiple liquid biopsy tests are now commercially available for veterinary use. A novel development, Urine Molecular Fingerprinting, addresses specific limitations inherent to blood-based liquid biopsy technologies, potentially expanding diagnostic capabilities in veterinary oncology.
This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.