What have we learned from treating melanomas?
20 Nov 2025
RVC Equine Theatre 2
Equine
,
Internal Medicine
Equine melanocytic tumors, particularly in grey horses, are now recognised as potentially malignant, with up to two-thirds progressing to metastasis. Treatment lessons highlight that early surgical excision, including radical perianal procedures, can provide durable control, while intratumoral cisplatin, electroporation, and emerging immunotherapies offer valuable adjuncts. Future advances lie in targeted, multimodal approaches informed by molecular pathways such as PD-1/PD-L1 and CD47.
By the end of this session, delegates will be able to:
- Recognise the epidemiology, genetic basis, and classification of equine melanocytic tumors, and appreciate their potential for malignant progression.
- Evaluate the role of surgical excision, including recent evidence supporting radical perianal procedures, in achieving long-term control of extensive melanomas.
- Discuss the effectiveness and limitations of adjunctive treatments such as intratumoral cisplatin, electroporation, radiotherapy, and topical therapies.
- Understand the promise of immunotherapeutic strategies, including cytokine plasmids and DNA vaccines, for systemic disease management.
- Appreciate the need for proactive monitoring and multimodal intervention rather than a “wait-and-see” approach.
- Identify future therapeutic opportunities in targeted and molecular-based treatments (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1, CD47, COX-2).
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