Top 5 Tips for Veterinary Oncology Referrals

Sponsored by Merck Animal Health

General practitioners diagnose cancer on a regular basis. In fact, 1 out of 4 dogs will be diagnosed with neoplasia at some point in their lives.¹ Following a cancer diagnosis, many primary care teams may refer these patients to an oncologist for further diagnostics or advanced treatment. However, successful oncology referrals require careful communication with both the pet owner and the referring oncology team.

Read on to discover 5 tips for enhancing oncology referrals.

1. Provide Initial Communication: Diagnosis & Prognosis

After a cancer diagnosis, the primary care team should provide the client with basic information about the diagnosis and be prepared to answer basic questions regarding the prognosis. Although oncologists are the experts, clients often want and need answers quickly to determine whether to proceed with an oncology consultation.

Preliminary information from the primary care team can help clients decide whether they want to pursue further treatment. For cases when the general practitioner cannot provide this information, reaching out to an oncologist to gather this information may be a necessary first step.

2. Explain Potential Treatment Options That May Be Offered

Oncology treatments have traditionally been divided into 3 categories: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, new immunotherapy treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now available for some cancer types. For example, Gilvetmab is an ICI that activates the immune system to recognize and fight canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) and melanoma. In one study, this treatment was well tolerated by most dogs and resulted in improved or stable disease in 73% of dogs with MCTs and 60% of dogs with melanoma.²

General practitioners may also consider discussing initial treatment decisions with oncologists prior to referral, as there may be a delay between the day of diagnosis and the day of the patient’s oncology consultation. Veterinary teams should consider calling the oncologist and asking them how to manage the case during this time. Depending on the specific details of the case, there may also be tests or treatments the primary care team can initiate prior to the oncology appointment.

3. Correct Client Misconceptions About Treatment & Side Effects

Some clients may be reluctant to pursue oncology treatment due to their awareness of the often-serious side effects seen in human patients undergoing cancer treatment. According to a 2021 study, ≈45% of pet owners thought that cancer treatment would be painful for their pet³; however, most veterinary chemotherapy patients have been shown to enjoy a good quality of life while undergoing treatment.⁴ These misconceptions can present a significant barrier to care.

Clients should be reminded that the goals of veterinary oncology differ from the goals of human oncology and that quality of life is typically a leading priority. The veterinary team should talk to clients about common and uncommon side effects associated with treatment. Correcting misconceptions can help clients approach oncology referral with an open mind.

4. Talk to Clients About What to Expect at Their First Oncology Appointment

Veterinary teams should ensure clients are prepared for their referral appointment and walk them through what to expect. The primary care team should also consider talking to the client about what paperwork and case information will be sent directly to the oncologist and what information they may need to take with them to the appointment. Laboratory results should be sent to the oncology team to avoid the need for repeat testing.

It should be emphasized that the first visit with an oncologist is intended to gather information and discuss potential treatment options. Attending an initial oncology consultation does not mean the client must pursue treatment, but it can help the client decide which treatment approach is best for their pet.

5. Set Cost Expectations

Cost is often a leading factor for pet owners as they make decisions on what care path they wish to pursue for their pet,⁵ so having an estimate of the cost of an initial oncology consultation can be very valuable. If clients have additional questions about cost, they may also be advised to contact the referral partner directly prior to their appointment.

Maintaining empathy is essential when talking to clients about cost,⁶ as there may be a variety of reasons pet owners decline referral to an oncologist, even beyond financial constraints.

Communication Is Key

When referring a patient for oncology treatment, communication is key. By maintaining open lines of communication with both the client and oncologist, the primary care team can maximize the likelihood of a successful referral and patient outcome.