Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is emerging as an innovative approach for cancer treatment because of its selectivity for malignant cells and absence of significant adverse effects. While modern oncological therapies face challenges such as tumor heterogeneity and treatment resistance, CAP presents itself as a low-cost and environmentally sustainable alternative. Its mechanisms of action involve reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), UV radiation, and electromagnetic fields, which induce cell death. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of CAP, with devices such as dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and the plasma jet developed to minimize damage to healthy cells. Some CAP devices are already approved for clinical use, showing safety and efficacy. However, the standardization of treatments remains a challenge due to the variety of devices and parameters used. Although CAP has shown promising cytotoxic effects in vitro and in animal models, especially in different cancer cell lines, further research, particularly in vivo and in veterinary medicine, is needed to optimize its clinical use and maximize its efficacy in combating cancer.

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor in dogs. It is highly aggressive, and most patients die due to metastasis, especially to the lungs. This report showed the palliative care of an unresectable appendicular OSA in a 10-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever dog. Amputation of the affected limb was not indicated due to obesity and bilateral hip dysplasia. For this reason, palliative care with carboplatin and zoledronic acid was proposed. The treatment was well tolerated and the owner reported improvement in the lameness and pain, resulting in a good quality of life. A survival time of 30 months (910 days) was observed. Treatment with zoledronic acid and carboplatin may be considered in cases of unresectable appendicular OSA because this treatment was safe and well tolerated.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon mesenchymal tumors in cats that originate from interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). ICCs are mesenchymal cells found within the muscle layers of the alimentary tract that facilitate communication between the autonomic nervous system and smooth muscles. In this case, lapatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets EGFR1 and HER2, was used as part of precision therapy for metastatic GIST in an 8-year-old, 2.7 kg, spayed, female mixed-breed cat, guided by the high expression of these receptors in the tumor. The treatment resulted in partial remission of liver metastases, with a progression-free survival of 171 days and an overall survival of 192 days after starting lapatinib. Lapatinib was well tolerated, with minimal adverse gastrointestinal effects. These findings highlight the potential role of molecular profiling in guiding targeted therapy for feline GISTs and suggest that lapatinib may be a viable treatment option for EGFR1/HER2-positive tumors. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TKIs in veterinary oncology, as well as their impact on long-term survival and quality of life in feline patients with GISTs. Os tumores estromais gastrointestinais (GISTs) são tumores mesenquimais incomuns em gatos, originados a partir das células intersticiais de Cajal (ICC). As ICC são células mesenquimais encontradas dentro das camadas musculares do trato alimentar e desempenham um papel na comunicação entre o sistema nervoso autônomo e o músculo liso. Neste caso, o lapatinibe, um inibidor de tirosina quinase (ITQ), que atua sobre EGFR1 e HER-2, foi utilizado como parte de uma terapia de precisão para um GIST metastático em uma gata, sem raça definida, castrada, de 8 anos de idade, com 2,7 kg. O tratamento foi guiado pela alta expressão desses receptors no tumor. A terapia resultou em remissão parcial das metástases hepáticas, com sobrevida livre de progressão de 171 dias, e sobrevida global de 192 dias, após o início do lapatinibe. A medicação foi bem tolerada, com efeitos adversos gastrointestinais mínimos. Esses achados destacam o potencial papel do perfil molecular na orientação da terapia direcionada para GISTs felinos e sugerem que o lapatinibe pode ser uma opção viável de tratamento para tumores positivos para EGFR1/HER-2. Estudos adicionais são necessários para avaliar a eficácia e a segurança dos ITQs na oncologia veterinária, bem como seu impacto na sobrevida a longo prazo e na qualidade de vida de pacientes felinos com GISTs.