Feasibility of bone-targeted electrochemotherapy for palliation of bone tumors in dogs and cats.

Abstract

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a minimally invasive locoregional treatment that combines reversible electroporation with cytotoxic agents to enhance intracellular drug delivery. Although its efficacy is well established in cutaneous malignancies, its role in bone tumors has only recently been explored in veterinary medicine. This narrative review integrates preclinical evidence, human clinical data, and early veterinary experience with an original 4-case series to evaluate the translational potential of ECT in bone oncology. Preclinical studies demonstrate effective tumor ablation within bone while preserving extracellular matrix integrity and enabling bone tissue regeneration. Clinical studies in humans report consistent pain relief, meaningful local tumor control, and acceptable safety profiles, including in complex scenarios, such as radiotherapy-resistant metastatic epidural spinal cord compression. In contrast, veterinary evidence remains limited to isolated case reports, in part due to limited dedicated technologies. Taken together, available data suggest that ECT may represent a function-preserving alternative for selected bone tumors. Prospective studies are warranted to define its clinical role in veterinary medicine.