Feline Mammary Carcinoma: Challenges and Advances in Veterinary Oncology

Subject Areas : Journal of Veterinary Clinical and Laboratory Research(JLACSR)

erfan eftekhar ¹ , Nooshin farandpoor ² , Ronak َAzizbeigi ³ , Ali Karamian ^{4 *} , Shahin Darvishi ⁵

1 - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Student, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Iran.
2 - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Student, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Iran.
3 - Department of Basic Sciences, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
4 - assistant professor, faculty of veterinary medicine Razi university
5 - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Student, Razi University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.

Received: 2025-04-29 Accepted : 2025-09-30 Published : 2025-12-20

Keywords: Feline mammary tumor, feline mammary carcinoma, comparative oncology, molecular markers, targeted therapy, mastectomy.,

Abstract :

Feline Mammary Tumors (FMT), among the most common neoplasms in elderly female cats, pose a significant challenge in veterinary oncology due to their predominantly malignant nature (85–90%) and aggressive biological behavior. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of current knowledge on epidemiology, risk factors (including advanced age and hormonal status, with emphasis on the protective role of early spaying), molecular pathogenesis, histopathology-based diagnosis, TNM staging, and key prognostic factors (tumor size, malignancy grade, and lymph node involvement).

The gold standard treatment is radical mastectomy; however, the high metastatic propensity of these tumors necessitates systemic adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy with doxorubicin, although its definitive efficacy in improving survival remains an area requiring further research. Current therapeutic limitations have driven investigations toward a deeper understanding of molecular pathways and the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Notably, FMT shares considerable similarities with aggressive subtypes of human breast cancer (such as HER2-positive and triple-negative tumors), making cats a valuable natural model in comparative oncology.

Ongoing research focuses on molecular-targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and emerging treatment strategies. This review highlights the importance of early diagnosis, aggressive surgical intervention, and the necessity of validating biomarkers and evaluating advanced therapies to enhance clinical outcomes in affected cats. Recent advancements promise more effective management of this challenging disease.

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