Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an innovative treatment option used in veterinary oncology to improve local tumor control in select patients. Below, we answer some of the most common questions pet owners and referring veterinarians have about this therapy.

What kinds of tumors can be treated with electrochemotherapy?

In veterinary medicine, electrochemotherapy is most commonly used to treat tumors located on the skin or just beneath the skin (subcutaneous tumors). These include, but are not limited to:

• Melanoma

• Squamous cell carcinoma

• Soft tissue sarcomas

• Feline injection-site sarcoma

• Localized cutaneous lymphoma in dogs and cats

• Plasmacytic tumors

• Low- to intermediate-grade mast cell tumors

• Perianal and rectal tumors

• Sarcoids and squamous cell carcinoma in horses

• Superficial tumors in exotic species, including small mammals, birds, and zoo animals

In select cases, electrochemotherapy may also be considered for certain internal tumors, such as tracheal or esophageal tumors, depending on their location and individual patient factors.

Who is an ideal candidate for electrochemotherapy?

Electrochemotherapy may be recommended for:

• Patients whose owners prefer not to pursue surgery or radiation therapy for visible (gross) disease

• Patients with incompletely excised tumors when additional surgery or radiation is not an option or is declined

Each case is evaluated individually to determine whether electrochemotherapy is an appropriate treatment option.

What chemotherapy drugs are used during electrochemotherapy?

The most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for electrochemotherapy are bleomycin and cisplatin. These drugs are particularly effective when combined with electroporation, which allows them to enter cancer cells more efficiently.

How is electrochemotherapy performed?

While individual treatment protocols may vary, electrochemotherapy generally follows a similar process:

• Patients are placed under general anesthesia or heavy sedation to ensure comfort

• The chemotherapy drug is administered intravenously

• Short, controlled electric pulses are then applied directly to the tumor site (electroporation)

Each treatment typically lasts about 20 minutes, and hospitalization is usually not required.

How many treatments are needed?

Electrochemotherapy treatments can be repeated if necessary. On average, one to three treatment sessions are required, depending on the type, size, and response of the tumor.

What are the potential side effects?

Most side effects are localized to the treatment area and may include:

• Redness

• Swelling (edema)

• Local tissue necrosis

Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing. Over time, healthy scar tissue replaces the treated tissue, a process that may take several weeks.

How effective is electrochemotherapy?

Effectiveness depends on several factors, including tumor type, grade, size, and location. In many cases, electrochemotherapy can provide excellent long-term local tumor control, making it a valuable option for managing certain cancers in pets.