Medical Affairs Specialist - Oncology IDEXX Fairview, North Carolina, United States
Disclosure(s):
Rebecca George, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology): No financial relationships to disclose
Advances in oncology diagnostics are rapidly transforming cancer detection, staging, and monitoring in both human and veterinary medicine. This session will focus on clinically relevant innovations—including liquid biopsy and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays, advanced imaging modalities, and AI-assisted blood morphology and cytology—and their practical application in companion animal care. Liquid biopsy, seeing increased adoption in human oncology, enables non-invasive detection of tumor-derived biomarkers and offers real-time insights into tumor burden, disease progression, and treatment response. We will briefly explore the evolution of liquid biopsy from its origins in circulating tumor cell research to its emerging role as a minimally invasive tool for cancer screening and real-time disease monitoring. Through case-based examples, attendees will explore how and when these emerging tools can complement conventional diagnostics such as cytology, histopathology, and imaging. The session will address the evolution and validation of liquid biopsy technologies in veterinary medicine, interpretive challenges and pitfalls, and strategies for integrating results into clinical decision-making. Additional discussion will examine the role of novel diagnostics in screening high-risk patients, cost–benefit considerations, and best practices for clear client communication regarding benefits and limitations. Attendees will leave with evidence-based frameworks and practical algorithms for incorporating innovative diagnostics into clinical practice while maintaining clinical rigor and thoughtful stewardship.
Learning Objectives:
Evaluate the clinical utility of novel oncology diagnostics —including liquid biopsy, ctDNA assays, advanced imaging, and AI assisted cytology—in the detection, staging, and monitoring of cancer in companion animals.
Review the historical development and key phases in the evolution of liquid biopsy technology, from circulating tumor cell research to current applications in cancer screening and monitoring.
Interpret and integrate results from advanced diagnostic modalities with case examples to determine when and how novel diagnostics can complement or enhance conventional diagnostic pathways, including use in high risk patient screening and treatment monitoring.
Apply practical algorithms for incorporating innovative diagnostics into veterinary clinical practice including discussing benefits and limitations, cost–benefit considerations and effective client communication.
