Mapping the Kinase Inhibitor Landscape in Canine Mammary Carcinoma: Current Status and Future Opportunities

Background: Canine mammary carcinoma (CMC) is the most common malignant tumour in female dogs and, due to its similarities, is a valuable comparative model for human breast cancer. Kinase inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment of human breast cancer; their use in veterinary oncology remains marginal. Aim: This review summarises the current knowledge of kinase signalling pathways in CMC and assesses which kinase inhibitors approved for human use have potential in veterinary medicine. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database from 1985 to 2025 was performed, focusing on kinase-targeted therapies in both human and canine mammary carcinomas. Data were categorised according to molecular target, clinical approval status, and available preclinical or clinical veterinary evidence. Results: Key molecular pathways targeted by kinase inhibitors are conserved across species, supporting translational opportunities. In vitro studies demonstrate that palbociclib, alpelisib, everolimus, and lapatinib inhibit growth and signalling in CMC cell lines. Clinical trials have not been conducted. Conclusions: Approved kinase inhibitors for human use have untapped therapeutic potential in veterinary oncology. Translational research, including xenograft and organoid models, followed by clinical trials in dogs, is required. Gaining this knowledge could lead to targeted treatment for dogs while advancing comparative understanding of mammary cancer biology across species.