About this Research Topic

Background

Feline oncology is an area of growing interest in veterinary medicine due to the increase in the population of domestic cats, the high incidence of cancer, and the associated morbidity and mortality. The domestic cat has a number of peculiarities that result in variations in epidemiology, biological behavior, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Lymphoma represents the most frequent neoplasm in this species; however, two distinct profiles can be identified: older cats with non-reagent results for FeLV and younger cats, aged 2-4 years, with persistent viremia for FeLV. Skin neoplasms and mammary neoplasms occupy the next two positions in the epidemiology of cancer in cats. Unlike what is seen in dogs, no breed predisposition is observed, except for lymphomas and mammary neoplasms in the Siamese breed. Squamous cell carcinomas, particularly frequent in cats exposed to ultraviolet radiation, occur mainly in white and short-haired cats, with greater occurrence on the face, including the ear pinna, pre-auricular region, eyelids, and nasal plane. Currently, palliative care is initiated at the diagnosis of the disease to alleviate pain and local and systemic clinical signs of cancer and modulated accordingly to the course of the disease. Great advances have been achieved in the surgical treatment of neoplasms in the domestic cat due to the better planning obtained in advanced imaging exams, but also to the improvement of reconstructive surgery techniques, video surgery, and transoperative biopsy. Still, in the local control approaches, radiotherapy stands out, with more than 50 years of use in feline oncology. However, access to radiotherapy is still very limited in underdeveloped countries, where emerging local control approaches are gaining ground, such as electrochemotherapy, with robust response rates in squamous cell carcinomas and other external neoplasms. Although more sensitive to stress and manipulation, cats are more resistant to the adverse effects of chemotherapy, which is widely performed. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, initially targeted and licensed only for the canine species, are already being used in felines in the treatment of a variety of cancers, especially mast cell tumors, one of the most frequent skin neoplasms in the domestic cat. Greater knowledge about the molecular aspects of cancer will further expand the possibilities of prognostic evaluation and treatment in these patients, improving the quality of life, while extending the disease-free interval and survival.

This research topic aims to present new relevant research in veterinary oncology, concerning the domestic cat. We welcome Original Research, Reviews, and Case Reports that address the unique challenges and advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of feline cancers. Specific questions that need to be answered include the efficacy of emerging treatments, the genetic and molecular underpinnings of feline cancers, and the development of new diagnostic tools and protocols. Hypotheses to be tested may involve the comparative effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches and the identification of potential biomarkers for early detection and prognosis.

To gather further insights into the complexities of feline oncology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Epidemiology and risk factors of feline cancers
- Advances in diagnostic imaging and biopsy techniques
- Surgical innovations and outcomes in feline oncology
- Efficacy and accessibility of radiotherapy and electrochemotherapy
- Chemotherapy protocols and their side effects in cats
- Use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other targeted therapies
- Molecular and genetic research in feline cancer
- Palliative care and quality of life improvements for feline cancer patients
- Case studies and clinical trials in feline oncology

Keywords: Cat, Tumor, Cancer, Electrochemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Chemotherapy.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a Research Topic?

  Frontiers' Research Topics are collaborative hubs built around an emerging theme.Defined, managed, and led by renowned researchers, they bring communities together around a shared area of interest to stimulate collaboration and innovation.

  Unlike section journals, which serve established specialty communities, Research Topics are pioneer hubs, responding to the evolving scientific landscape and catering to new communities.

• Why does Frontiers publish Research Topics? 

  The goal of Frontiers' publishing program is to empower research communities to actively steer the course of scientific publishing. Our program was implemented as a three-part unit with fixed field journals, flexible specialty sections, and dynamically emerging Research Topics, connecting communities of different sizes and maturity.

  Research Topics originate from the scientific community. Many of our Research Topics are suggested by existing editorial board members who have identified critical challenges or areas of interest in their field.

• Why are Research Topics important for journals?

  As an editor, Research Topics will help you build your journal, as well as your community, around emerging, cutting-edge research. As research trailblazers, Research Topics attract high-quality submissions from leading experts all over the world.

  A thriving Research Topic can potentially evolve into a new specialty section if there is sustained interest and a growing community around it.

• How do we ensure the quality of articles within Research Topics?

  Each Research Topic must be approved by the specialty chief editor, and it falls under the editorial oversight of our editorial boards, supported by our in-house research integrity team. The same standards and rigorous peer review processes apply to articles published as part of a Research Topic as for any other article we publish.

  In 2023, 80% of the Research Topics we published were edited or co-edited by our editorial board members, who are already familiar with their journal's scope, ethos, and publishing model. All other topics are guest edited by leaders in their field, each vetted and formally approved by the specialty chief editor.

• What are the benefits of publishing my article in a Research Topic?

  Publishing your article within a Research Topic with other related articles increases its discoverability and visibility, which can lead to more views, downloads, and citations. Research Topics grow dynamically as more published articles are added, causing frequent revisiting, and further visibility.

  As Research Topics are multidisciplinary, they are cross-listed in several fields and section journals – increasing your reach even more and giving you the chance to expand your network and collaborate with researchers in different fields, all focusing on expanding knowledge around the same important topic.

  Our larger Research Topics are also converted into ebooks and receive social media promotion from our digital marketing team.

   
• What types of articles can be published in a Research Topic?

  Frontiers offers multiple article types, but it will depend on the field and section journals in which the Research Topic will be featured. The available article types for a Research Topic will appear in the drop-down menu during the submission process.

  Check available article types here 

• Can I suggest a new Research Topic? 

  Yes, we would love to hear your ideas for a topic. Most of our Research Topics are community-led and suggested by researchers in the field. Our in-house editorial team will contact you to talk about your idea and whether you’d like to edit the topic. If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. 

  Suggest your topic here 

• Who leads a Research Topic? 

  A team of guest editors (called topic editors) lead their Research Topic. This editorial team oversees the entire process, from the initial topic proposal to calls for participation, the peer review, and final publications.

  The team may also include topic coordinators, who help the topic editors send calls for participation, liaise with topic editors on abstracts, and support contributing authors. In some cases, they can also be assigned as reviewers.

• What is the role of a topic editor?

  As a topic editor (TE), you will take the lead on all editorial decisions for the Research Topic, starting with defining its scope. This allows you to curate research around a topic that interests you, bring together different perspectives from leading researchers across different fields and shape the future of your field. 

   

  You will choose your team of co-editors, curate a list of potential authors, send calls for participation and oversee the peer review process, accepting or recommending rejection for each manuscript submitted.

• What support will I receive when editing a new Research Topic? 

  As a topic editor, you're supported at every stage by our in-house team. You will be assigned a single point of contact to help you on both editorial and technical matters. Your topic is managed through our user-friendly online platform, and the peer review process is supported by our industry-first AI review assistant (AIRA).

• As a junior researcher, can I be involved in editing a Research Topic? 

  If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. This provides you with valuable editorial experience, improving your ability to critically evaluate research articles and enhancing your understanding of the quality standards and requirements for scientific publishing, as well as the opportunity to discover new research in your field, and expand your professional network.

• Can I get a certificate for editing a Research Topic?

  Yes, certificates can be issued on request. We are happy to provide a certificate for your contribution to editing a successful Research Topic.

• Who will I collaborate with?

  Research Topics thrive on collaboration and their multi-disciplinary approach around emerging, cutting-edge themes, attract leading researchers from all over the world.

• How long does it take to publish a Research Topic?

  As a topic editor, you can set the timeline for your Research Topic, and we will work with you at your pace. Typically, Research Topics are online and open for submissions within a few weeks and remain open for participation for 6 – 12 months. Individual articles within a Research Topic are published as soon as they are ready.

  Find out more about our Research Topics

• What fee support is available to authors publishing in a Research Topic?

  Our fee support program ensures that all articles that pass peer review, including those published in Research Topics, can benefit from open access – regardless of the author's field or funding situation.

  Authors and institutions with insufficient funding can apply for a discount on their publishing fees. A fee support application form is available on our website.

• Will there be a printed version of my Research Topic?

  In line with our mission to promote healthy lives on a healthy planet, we do not provide printed materials. All our articles and ebooks are available under a CC-BY license, so you can share and print copies.