Feline Mammary Neoplasia - From Disease Mechanisms to Clinical Management

Feline mammary tumors (FMTs) represent a significant and evolving field within veterinary oncology. Although FMTs constitute one of the most common types of neoplasia in cats, the majority are malignant at the time of diagnosis, contributing to high morbidity and mortality. Despite historical progress in pathology, surgery, and clinical management, persistent challenges remain regarding early detection, optimization of therapeutic strategies, and robust prognostication. Recent studies have highlighted the translational relevance of FMTs due to similarities with aggressive subtypes of human breast cancer, supporting increased interest in comparative oncology. However, limited access to specialized care, incomplete integration of novel diagnostics, and a lack of consensus on standardized protocols continue to impede advances in outcomes and clinical decision-making.Current research has begun to explore promising directions in biomarker discovery, molecular profiling, and less invasive diagnostic modalities. Advances in imaging techniques and lymph node mapping now offer greater potential for accurate staging, while investigations into the tumor microenvironment and predictive markers may support tailored treatment approaches. Studies comparing regional and radical mastectomy, innovations in systemic therapies including targeted and metronomic protocols, and the expansion of supportive care highlight the field’s multidisciplinary nature. Nonetheless, gaps persist regarding the validation of prognostic markers, optimization of multimodal interventions, and improvement of patient quality of life. Furthermore, the need for harmonized outcome measures, reproducible methods, and data-driven decision frameworks remains prominent.This Research Topic aims to assemble a comprehensive and clinically relevant body of research addressing the multidisciplinary facets of feline mammary tumors. The goal is to advance biological understanding, refine diagnostic and prognostic tools, and optimize local and systemic therapies—including precision treatment avenues—while promoting standardized methodologies and improved outcomes. By bringing together perspectives from pathology, imaging, surgery, molecular diagnostics, and comparative oncology, we seek to support more informed clinical decisions and stimulate further innovation in feline cancer care.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses original research, translational studies, and clinical reviews focused exclusively or primarily on feline mammary tumors. Both foundational research and contributions with immediate clinical applicability are encouraged, while submissions should clearly align with improving diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic paradigms for FMTs. To gather further insights in this area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Epidemiology, prevention, and risk communication for FMTsPathology standards, including classification, grading, and reporting protocolsDiagnostic and staging workflows, including imaging and sentinel lymph node (SLN) mappingPrognostic and predictive biomarker discovery and validationComparative evaluation of surgical techniques and perioperative managementAdvances in systemic and precision therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and local adjunctsIntegrating emerging technologies such as liquid biopsies and molecular profiling in routine practiceOutcome measures, quality of life assessments, and frameworks for shared decision-making with pet ownersComparative oncology studies directly informing feline clinical strategiesArticle types solicited: Original Research, Systematic Reviews, Meta-analyses, Narrative Reviews, Brief Research Reports, Methods articles, and novel Case Reports/Series with substantial follow-up. Topic editors: Hugo Vilhena, Ana Canadas-Sousa, Raquel Chaves, Patrícia Dias-Pereira, Ana Catarina Figueira Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78562/feline-mammary-neoplasia---from-disease-mechanisms-to-clinical-management