Cancer is the leading cause of death in adult dogs. It affects approximately six million dogs per year in the US alone, and an estimated one in four dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Traditionally, cancer was a condition that was undetectable until it was clinically evident. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. IDEXX Laboratory, our local reference lab, now offers a blood test that can screen your dog for the seven most common cancer types. These include lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, malignant melanoma, histiocytic sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and some forms of mast cell tumors.
The test measures nucleosomes circulating in the bloodstream. These nucleosomes are found in higher concentrations in dogs with systemic cancer and some inflammatory diseases. A positive (or elevated) result does not specify the specific type of cancer. However, measuring these nucleosomes in healthy patients has been associated with accurate detection of 82% of hemangiosarcoma, 77% of lymphoma, and 54% of histiocytic sarcomas in dogs even early in the disease course. The overall cancer detection rate for the top seven cancers in dogs was approximately 48%, with localized tumors such as soft tissue sarcoma and mast cell tumors being less detectable than others. Early detection allows for earlier treatment, and it can help inform decisions such as whether to pursue surgery or additional diagnostics.
Of particular benefit, this test offers a 97% specificity. That means that a normal result carries a 97% chance that your dog does not have any of the seven most common tumor types.
NuQ is recommended as an annual screening tool for all senior dogs, as well as all high-risk breeds aged four years and above. The test is a simple blood test that requires a 4-hour fasting period before sampling.