The use of tigilanol tiglate (Stelfonta®) for the treatment of canine mast cell tumors

Mast cell tumors are by far the most common skin tumors in dogs. The traditional treatment approach is the removal of the entire tumor, typically with 2 to 3 cm lateral margins and one deep facial plane. However, due to several factors, including anatomic location, condition of the patient, and potential involvement of vital tissues, it is not always feasible to take adequate lateral or deep margins, which increases the risk of local tumor recurrence. In cases where the traditional approach cannot be used, the use of tigilanol tiglate (Stelfonta®) as local therapy may offer a potential alternative treatment. Tigilanol tiglate has recently been registered as an intratumoral medicine for non-resectable, non-metastatic mast cell tumors. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a practical overview on the use of tigilanol tiglate in canine mast cell tumors. According to the available literature, tigilanol tiglate is a valuable alternative approach when surgical excision with complete margins is not feasible or desirable. Its application is described as easy-to-administer, and therefore this therapy can be applied by general practitioners as well as in specialized veterinary practices.