From the Clinic to the Lab: One Veterinarian’s Battle Against 

Cancer

My Professional Journey

A veterinary surgeon since 1994, I began my postgraduate studies in oncology in 1998. I completed an externship at the Flint Animal Cancer Center - Colorado State University in 2017. I currently serve as a postgraduate lecturer in clinical oncology at the Qualittas Institute and as a mentor in clinical oncology for the GIVET mentoring program. Additionally, I am an Associate Researcher at the Laboratory of Urogenital Carcinogenesis and Immunotherapy (LCURGIM) in the Department of Structural and Functional Biology at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP).

After graduating in 1994, I worked as a general practice veterinarian for four years before pursuing a master’s degree in oncology, followed by a doctoral degree in the same field. For the past twenty-seven years, I have dedicated myself exclusively to the care, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer patients. For the last eleven years, I have also been engaged in the education and training of new oncologists. My passion for research emerged during my master’s studies and continues to drive my career. Currently, I am part of a research group at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) under the guidance of Professor Wagner José Favaro, the inventor of the OncoTherad/VetFeron immunotherapy for cancer treatment in humans and animals, respectively.

How did your passion and commitment to the veterinary field first emerge?

My passion for animals has been an intrinsic part of my life since childhood. As a teenager, I expressed to my parents my desire to become a veterinarian. My paternal grandfather, Altino, was a devoted dog lover, which further influenced my career choice. In July 1994, I successfully achieved my dream by graduating as a veterinarian.

What is your current role, and what vision do you have for the future of veterinary care in your area of expertise?

Currently, I am responsible for training veterinarians through a private oncology course and work as a mentor to a group of veterinarians, guiding them in the diagnostic approach to cancer patients. I firmly believe that by sharing knowledge and experiences, encouraging professionals to seek answers, and promoting continuous education, the field of veterinary oncology will continue to evolve and be strengthened in the future.

What positive changes have you observed in veterinary practice throughout your career, and what major challenges remain?

Over the past thirty years, veterinary medicine in Brazil has experienced significant growth and modernization, particularly in the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment techniques. In the field of oncology, several specialized centers for diagnosis have emerged, along with two radiotherapy treatment centers. State and federal universities are actively engaged in research across various specializations and offer medical residency programs post-graduation. However, the primary challenge remains the lack of sufficient funding to expand research and development initiatives.

What do you consider to be the essential levers to improve access to veterinary oncology care in Brazil and in various sociocultural contexts globally?

In Brazil, veterinary oncology is incorporated into the curriculum of veterinary medicine programs and is part of the medical and surgical clinical syllabus, alongside other specialties. The leading Brazilian universities offer residencies and postgraduate programs in oncology for dogs and cats, providing the most comprehensive pathway for acquiring expertise before entering the professional field. Additionally, various initiatives aim to integrate and expand oncology in clinical practice, both in the public and private sectors. As a result, veterinary oncology has become one of the most sought-after specializations in recent years, leading to an increase in the number of specialized professionals and improved care for animals diagnosed with cancer. Nonetheless, accessibility remains constrained by financial costs and the uneven distribution of qualified professionals across the country. This challenge is not exclusive to Brazil but is prevalent in other countries as well. Progress is ongoing, and I believe the global objective should be to enhance accessibility, increase service availability, and tailor solutions to the specific needs of diverse populations.

Are palliative care programs commonly integrated into oncology care?

Palliative care begins at the moment of diagnosis. Similar to human medicine, the therapeutic approach and prognosis must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment. A multidisciplinary team plays a crucial role in developing care plans that enhance the quality of life for both patients and their families. “Palliative care should not be viewed as an alternative treatment but rather as an essential and complementary aspect of comprehensive patient care.” In oncology, palliative care does not equate to terminal care; rather, “it underscores the importance of holistic patient management beyond curative treatments.”

What is their state of development in your practice? What role do companion animals play in the well-being and prosperity of human communities, in your Opinion?

With 31 years of experience as a veterinary surgeon and 27 years in clinical oncology—11 of which have been dedicated to teaching and mentoring—I have witnessed the profound impact of companion animals on human well-being. Companion animals play a fundamental role in human life; they have become an integral part of our history, our survival, and our family.

Do you consider the human-animal bond to be a noble alliance?

Yes, I firmly believe that the human-animal bond constitutes a noble alliance. The companionship, joy, and heightened sense of compassion that stem from coexisting with animals provide numerous benefits. As this bond continues to strengthen, the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health have become increasingly evident, emphasizing their mutual dependence.

As an educator, how do you view the evolution of veterinary oncology education? What are, in your opinion, the primary challenges and opportunities for the new generation of veterinarians specializing in this field?

There has been a significant increase in the demand for oncology training among veterinarians, leading universities to develop specialized courses in clinical and surgical oncology. This growth has also heightened the demand for accurate diagnostics, thereby fostering advancements in related fields such as pathology and imaging. Over the past two decades, veterinary oncology has seen substantial progress in understanding disease behavior and developing new therapies, closely paralleling advancements in human medicine. However, the greatest challenge remains the ability to keep pace with this rapid evolution, as scientific knowledge is constantly expanding and evolving.

How can educators and trainers contribute to shaping the future of veterinary oncology?

Educators play a fundamental role in shaping students' character and instilling values such as responsibility, respect, empathy, and integrity. Emphasizing ethics and moral conduct is paramount in veterinary education. Moreover, educators should cultivate critical thinking skills, encouraging students to question, analyze, and evaluate information to develop problem-solving and decision-making competencies. Beyond imparting theoretical knowledge, educators are responsible for equipping students with the essential tools needed to succeed academically and professionally in the ever-evolving field of veterinary oncology.