We hope that all of you are having a great summer and had at least a bit of time off! So maybe you will read this newsletter from a nice beach. In the current newsletter we will talk about:
1. Your favourite- Case of the month
2. Advancing Precision Medicine in Canine Oncology – we were at ACVIM Forum 2026
3. Introducing K9-TMB/MSI™ Testing
Case of the month
An 8 years old female neutered Greyhound was diagnosed with effusion of unknown origin in the pleural cavity. Cytological examination of effusion was inconclusive. Differential diagnoses included mesothelioma or disseminated carcinomatosis. CT scan revealed abnormalities in the pleura suggestive of either disease. No primary mass was identified. Decision was made to perform liquid biopsy and concurrently surgically collect samples from pleura. The liquid biopsy revealed somatic mutations in BRAF V595E, ATM I1257N and ARPC1A (K122*) genes. The BRAF mutation in dogs is mostly associated with a variety of carcinomas such as urothelial carcinoma, prostatic carcinoma or oral squamous cell carcinoma. This mutation is a potential therapeutic target for either vemurafenib, sorafenib or trametinib for BRAF with extensive ex vivo and in vivo data supporting it’s clinical use in BRAF V595E mutated cancers (DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-20-0893; doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7463; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-90574-3; doi: 10.1292/jvms.21-047).
Histopathological examination of the pleura revealed a carcinoma. Unfortunately the owners of the animal, due to poor prognosis did not decide to pursue treatment.
Overall this case again shows successful implementation of liquid biopsy in management of effusions in dogs, and can help with both diagnosis and identify potential therapeutic targets. We would like to thank dr Frane Ivasovic from University of Glasgow for referring this case to us. We are currently working with Dr Ivasovic, who is a boarded cardiologist, on a research project studying clinical implementation of liquid biopsy in management of pericardial and pleural effusion, with some very exciting results. Stay tuned for more data! It’s coming!
Advancing Precision Medicine in Canine Oncology
Last month, our CEO dr Maciej Parys, attended the ACVIM Forum in Seattle, one of the world’s leading veterinary specialist conferences. Alongside Drs Guannan Wang, Will Hendricks and Lucas Rodrigues, Maciej took part in an expert panel discussing “Omics-Driven Precision Medicine in Canine Oncology” bringing together internationally recognised leaders in veterinary cancer research.
The discussion focused on how advances in genomics, molecular diagnostics and precision medicine are transforming the way cancer is detected, monitored and treated in dogs. As the field continues to evolve, liquid biopsy technologies are becoming an increasingly important tool for veterinarians seeking earlier detection and more personalised treatment approaches.
These developments align closely with the mission behind K9-LiquidDx™, our minimally invasive liquid biopsy platform. Using a simple blood sample, K9-LiquidDx™ can help detect circulating tumour DNA, support earlier relapse detection and provide comprehensive genetic profiling to guide treatment decisions.
The ability to monitor cancer through a routine blood draw offers significant benefits for both patients and clinicians. Earlier intervention, reduced patient stress and more tailored treatment strategies are helping to shape the future of veterinary oncology.
Participation in forums such as ACVIM ensures that our team remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and continues to contribute to the advancement of precision medicine for canine cancer patients worldwide.
Introducing K9-TMB/MSI™ Testing
At CanCan Diagnostics, we are committed to bringing the latest advances in veterinary molecular diagnostics to support better outcomes for dogs diagnosed with cancer. We are proud to offer K9-TMB/MSI™ testing, an advanced genomic assay designed to provide a comprehensive molecular profiling of cancer related genes in canine tumours and help veterinarians make more informed treatment decisions.
K9-TMB/MSI™ analyses 499 cancer-related genes and evaluates two important biomarkers: Tumour Mutational Burden (TMB) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI). Together, these biomarkers provide valuable insights into a tumour’s genetic characteristics, helping identify patients who may benefit from targeted therapies or immunotherapy while supporting a more personalised approach to cancer management.
The test can be performed using formalin-fixed tumour tissue (FFPE) and fine-needle aspiration samples, making advanced genomic testing accessible for a wide range of oncology patients. In addition to assessing TMB and MSI, the assay detects clinically relevant genetic alterations that may influence treatment planning and prognosis.
As veterinary oncology continues to embrace precision medicine, genomic profiling is becoming an essential tool for tailoring treatment to each individual patient rather than relying solely on tumour type or location. By offering K9-TMB/MSI™, CanCan Diagnostics is helping veterinary teams gain deeper insight into tumour biology, improve treatment planning and provide pet owners with greater confidence that their companion is receiving the most appropriate care based on the unique genetics of their cancer.
We are excited to make this innovative test available and look forward to supporting veterinary professionals in delivering the next generation of personalised cancer care. If you would like to learn more about K9-TMB/MSI™ testing or discuss whether it is suitable for your patients, our team is here to help!