Liquid biopsy technologies offer new insights and approaches for canine cancer detection and management

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2026 Open access

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Authors: J. David Robertson, Amr Sayed Issa, Nikolaos G. Dervisis, Kay McGuire, Joanne Tuohy, John Rossmeisl, Brycie Marine, Lori Jodar, Laura Marconato, Carlos Fonseca-Alves, Caitlin Feiock, Bobbi Conner
+6 more Erica B. Fesler, Lacey Ngo, Romina Seifollahi Asl, Megan Luczko, Courtney White, Ryan Senger
DOI: 10.2460/javma.26.02.0124
Cited by: 1
References: 47

Abstract

Liquid biopsy (LBx) is the analysis of fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, or secretions to detect cancer biomarkers and circulating tumor cells. It is becoming a common investigational tool in human oncology, but less so in veterinary medicine. Liquid biopsy is less invasive and has fewer complications than tissue biopsy, but it is not intended to replace tissue biopsy. In human oncology, LBx is primarily used as an investigational tool because of the cost and technology requirements. Liquid biopsy may eventually provide early-stage cancer detection, but this has not been proven for humans or dogs. Several LBx tests are currently available commercially to dog owners and veterinarians. A new test, Urine Molecular Fingerprinting, has been developed and addresses the limitations of blood-based technologies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Veterinary Oncology Research Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Clinical Laboratory Practices and Quality Control

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publisher
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Volume
264
Issue
9
Pages
1111–1118
Publication date
10 June 2026
Language
EN