Page 14 - Withrow and MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, 6th Edition

Preface

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The sixth edition of Small Animal Clinical Oncology continues technology (Chapter 6), and the reliance on more sophisticated
to chronicle significant advancement in the field of comparative molecular diagnostics (Chapter 8). All chapters devoted to spe-
clinical oncology. Since the first edition in 1989, this text has cific cancer types have been updated, along with significant addi-
expanded all segments of the book to keep current with the pro- tions in sections on therapeutic options. Although consensus
found changes in cancer biology and technology; in fact, each edi- standards-of-care do not exist for most malignancies in veterinary
tion could be considered a milestone in the development of this species, available therapeutic options and published outcomes are
specialty. The intent of this text continues to be production of a presented that should allow the reader to choose the option best
relevant summary of the field of comparative cancer biology and suited for his or her particular patient and client population.
management for those engaged in all aspects of the veterinary pro- There is still much to be done and future advances should con-
fession. Approximately 20% of this edition has been substantially tinue to be a focus for expansion in subsequent editions of this
changed, with new authors and additions and deletions of entire text. Advancing the use and application of evidence-based medi-
chapters to reflect an appropriate emphasis on the current state of cine still remains a challenge in veterinary oncology. The desire
the profession. to increase evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice is
This text, in all its editions, parallels the expansion and matu- being considered throughout the veterinary profession as a whole,
rity of comparative oncology during the past 30 years. The Spe- and appropriate reporting guidelines for manuscript submission
cialty of Oncology was formalized under the American College of have been implemented in the leading veterinary journals. Such
Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in 1989 and has grown guidelines permit sorting of levels of evidence and an opportu-
steadily, particularly in the past 10 to 15 years. Likewise, the Euro- nity to engage in formal post-publication data analysis for sys-
pean College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM)–Oncol- tematic reviews. We look forward to the next edition of the text
ogy Specialty is now a robust and dynamic organization providing that includes therapeutic recommendations based on strong evi-
important resources to students and practitioners in Europe. The dence and consensus opinion from leading veterinary collabora-
American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) has formally tive scientific organizations. We also continue to hope that the
authorized the Fellowship Training Programs in Veterinary Surgi- next edition will see a quantum leap in satisfying several critical
cal Oncology, which will promote the expansion of new centers needs in the field. We urgently need improved durable outcomes
of surgical excellence in this field. Equally important has been the for canine lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma, and
growth of the Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS) and the European validated biomarkers to assist with prognostic and predictive esti-
Society of Veterinary Oncology (ESVONC), as well as other like- mates for all cancers—but in particular, those highly lethal disease
minded associations in Japan (JVCS), Brazil (ABROVET), and processes mentioned previously that have frustrated all of us for
others to develop soon. The globalization of the interest and desire decades. Furthermore, advancements in supportive measures that
for high-quality cancer care for companion species is a remarkable can ensure the maintenance of quality of life and abrogation of
and welcome occurrence. adverse events are similarly in need of further development.
During the past decade, the formalization of clinical trials in It is also important to consider potential operational effects
companion animals for investigation of animal and human health and solutions to the continued development of comparative
has matured significantly. The Comparative Oncology Program oncology. The inconsistent availability of certain chemotherapy
at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) continues to lead the drugs often now rises to levels of serious concern for continuity
effort to promote the benefits of companion animals in human of care and will require innovative business solutions to ensure
cancer control and has currently completed or initiated more robust coverage of the expanding market need. It is obvious that
than 25 multicenter trials through the Comparative Oncology the cost of care for companion animals will continue to rise, and
Trials Consortium. Other clinical trial organizations and centers, the role that companion animal healthcare insurance will play in
within both the public and private sector, have emerged and have this dynamic could have far-reaching effects on the profession in
established a more formal infrastructure for cooperative clinical the next decade. Likewise, the potential changes in the profession
research. No better evidence of this exists than the U.S. Food and from increasing liability issues related to emotional pain and suf-
Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agricul- fering litigation could create new operating paradigms.
ture (USDA) approvals for products licensed for use specifically The authors and editors have created the following text, which
in canine cancer that occurred due to a clinician–animal health both describes the phenomenal strides made during the past 5
industry partnership. to 6 years and sets the standard to measure future growth and
Examples of marked advances in the field of cancer biology, understanding of comparative oncology. We hope that it will be a
etiology, and staging reflected in this text include a complete useful resource for those engaged in animal and human oncology
rewrite of the role of genetics in cancer development (Chapter and for the ultimate improvement of the quality and length of life
1, Section A), cancer epidemiology (Chapter 4), tumor imaging for our patients.

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