Electrochemotherapy in Small Animal Oncology: Practical Principles and Clinical Applications

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has emerged as an effective local treatment for cancer in dogs and cats. This technique consists of the transient and reversible permeabilization of cell membranes through the application of an electric field. The transient permeabilization increases the uptake of hydrophilic chemotherapeutic agents (bleomycin, cisplatin) into tumor cells, thereby enhancing their cytotoxic effect. ECT is primarily indicated for cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors of various histological types, including squamous cell carcinomas, mast cell tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas. It is also applied to tumors located in the oral cavity, sinonasal region, urinary bladder, and perianal area. ECT may be used as monotherapy, in the surgical bed following tumor excision, or as an adjuvant therapy when complete surgical margins are not achievable. Additionally, it can be employed as a neoadjuvant treatment, followed by surgical resection. Adverse effects are predominantly local and transient, including erythema, edema, pain, and necrosis. Thus, toxicity is generally mild, with most patients exhibiting good tolerance. For optimal outcomes, individualized follow-up is essential to assess therapeutic response, monitor adverse effects, and detect potential tumor recurrence. The aim of this review is to present the principles for the use of the technique in small animal clinical practice, including its indications, clinical applications, contraindications, adverse effects, and follow-up.