International Guidelines for Veterinary Tumor Pathology: A Call to Action

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Minimal methodological standardization exists for veterinary tumor assessment.
• Few published protocols and grading schemes have been validated in veterinary medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the lack of standardization in veterinary tumor assessment.
• To provide standard guidelines and protocols for evaluating specific tumor types.
• To establish a living repository of updated information for veterinary pathologists.

Main Methods:

• Development of standard guidelines for tumor assessment parameters.
• Creation of protocols for evaluating specific tumor types.
• Publication of detailed information as supplemental "living documents" on a dedicated website.

Main Results:

• Established standardized guidelines and protocols for veterinary tumor assessment.
• Created a website (www.vetcancerprotocols.org) for ongoing updates and collaboration.
• Aimed to improve reproducibility and confidence in oncologic study results.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of tumor assessment is essential for advancing veterinary oncologic pathology.
• This initiative facilitates collaboration, reproducibility, and strengthens clinical research.
• The guidelines will improve veterinary cancer research and ultimately enhance patient care.