Advances in the Management and Treatment of Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC)

Abstract

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is a pervasive malignancy in domestic cats, renowned for its rapid progression, invasiveness, and traditionally bleak prognosis due to limited treatment options. However, recent advancements in diagnostics and treatment modalities provide promising avenues for improving disease management and patient outcomes. This paper reviews these developments, concentrating on diagnostic techniques, therapeutic strategies, and emerging targeted therapies, with an emphasis on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Advanced imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have proven crucial for accurate disease staging by facilitating visualization of tumor extent, lymph node involvement, and potential metastasis. Coupled with molecular diagnostics such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), they enable identification of molecular markers indicative of aggressive behavior and potential therapeutic targets, thus aiding in personalized treatment planning. Therapeutic advances range from enhancements in surgical techniques like laser ablation and microvascular reconstruction to innovative radiation therapy protocols such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). While systemic chemotherapy remains a challenge due to drug resistance and toxicity, exploration of new drug combinations and formulations strives to enhance response rates and limit adverse effects. Emerging targeted therapies, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and photodynamic therapy (PDT), are gaining momentum in the FOSCC landscape. EGFR inhibitors and immunotherapies aim to impede tumor growth and boost host immune response respectively, while PDT presents as a minimally invasive therapeutic option inducing localized cytotoxicity.