If you follow the blog at all, you’ll know my obsession with wellness and longevity extends in every way to my dog, Mordecai. In that vein, I am always seeking new independent ways to track his health in addition to traditional veterinarian care. Recently, I posted that we are testing with Everfur. Those results should be in this week.
Over the weekend, as the algorithm does, I found in my feed another option particular to cancer detection – Oncotect. According to their website:
Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs, with approximately 33% of all dogs developing some form of cancer during their lifetime. Early detection plays a critical role in improving treatment outcomes, and Oncotect has emerged as a groundbreaking tool in this field.
What is Oncotect?
Oncotect is the world’s first at-home canine cancer screening test. It uses a non-invasive urine-based method to assess cancer risk in dogs. Developed by Chan Namgong and his team in 2019, the test leverages the unique olfactory capabilities of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a type of roundworm, to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with cancerous cells. This innovative approach provides a simple, cost-effective, and accurate way for pet owners to monitor their dog’s health without requiring a visit to the veterinarian.
How Does It Work?
- Order and Activate the Kit: The kit can be purchased online or through veterinarians. Users activate it on Oncotect’s website, providing details about their dog.
- Collect Urine: Using the tools provided, owners collect a small urine sample (2-5 mL).
- Ship the Sample: The sample is sent back to Oncotect using a prepaid shipping label.
- Receive Results: Within seven business days, results are emailed to both the owner and their veterinarian.
The results categorize cancer risk as low, moderate, or high. While the test does not specify the type of cancer, it focuses on four common canine cancers: lymphoma, melanoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma.
Accuracy and Clinical Relevance
Oncotect boasts a 90% accuracy rate, with 83% sensitivity (true positive) and 96% specificity (true negative). This makes it a reliable tool for early cancer detection. However, it is essential to note that Oncotect serves as a screening tool; further diagnostic tests are required to confirm cancer if the results indicate moderate or high risk.
Benefits of Oncotect
- Non-Invasive: Unlike traditional methods like biopsies or blood tests, Oncotect requires only a urine sample.
- Cost-Effective: Priced at $199.99, it is more affordable than many diagnostic procedures.
- Convenient: The test can be done at home without stressing the dog with a vet visit.
- Proactive Health Monitoring: Recommended every 6-12 months for dogs aged seven years or older or high-risk breeds as young as five years.
Real-Life Applications
Oncotect has been successfully used in various cases:
- A Labrador Retriever named Brody was screened for cancer after detecting a spleen mass; Oncotect indicated low risk, later confirmed by surgery.
- Cassie, a Schnoodle with a liver mass, also showed low-risk results through Oncotect before undergoing further tests that confirmed no malignancy.
Limitations
While Oncotect is highly accurate and convenient, it does not diagnose specific cancers or replace comprehensive veterinary diagnostics. It serves as an early warning system that enables timely intervention.
Conclusion
Oncotect represents a significant advancement in canine healthcare by making early cancer screening accessible to pet owners. Its ease of use, affordability, and accuracy provide peace of mind while empowering owners to take proactive steps toward their dog’s health. For any dog parent concerned about cancer risks, Oncotect offers an invaluable tool for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
I will certainly post Mordecai’s results as soon as we receive them!
