SciRouter Oncology / Cancer guide / Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Canine cancer guide

Transitional Cell Carcinoma

A malignant tumor of the urothelial lining, most commonly arising at the trigone of the bladder. Often locally invasive and prone to recurrence; ~20% have metastasis at diagnosis.

also known as TCCalso known as Urothelial carcinomaalso known as Bladder cancer
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Prevalence

Most common bladder cancer in dogs. Strong breed predilection: Scottish Terriers (~20× higher risk), West Highland Whites, Shelties, Beagles. Females over males.

Who gets it

Older dogs (median 11 years). Strongly breed-linked. Lawn herbicide exposure has been associated.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Hematuria (blood in urine)
  • Stranguria (straining to urinate)
  • Pollakiuria (frequent small urinations)
  • Sometimes urinary obstruction
  • Often misdiagnosed as recurrent UTI initially

How it's diagnosed

  • Abdominal ultrasound (looking for bladder mass)
  • CADET BRAF assay (urine-based) — non-invasive screen for BRAF V595E mutation, found in ~85% of canine TCC
  • Cystoscopy with biopsy (avoid needle biopsy — seeding risk)
  • Three-view chest radiographs and abdominal CT for staging
  • Urine culture (rule out concurrent infection)

Prognosis ranges

Median survival without treatment ~6 months. With piroxicam alone: ~6 months. With piroxicam + chemotherapy: ~12 months. BRAF V595E mutation status drives targeted-therapy options.

Treatment landscape

Piroxicam (NSAID with anti-cancer activity)Targeted
Response~20% partial response, ~50% stable disease
ToxicityGI ulceration, renal effects; needs gastroprotection.
Cost range<$50/month
Mitoxantrone + piroxicamChemotherapy
Response~35% objective response
ToxicityMyelosuppression; cardiotoxicity less than doxorubicin.
Cost range$2,000–$4,000
VinblastineChemotherapy
Response~36% response in second-line
ToxicityMyelosuppression, neuropathy.
Cost range$1,500–$3,000
Stereotactic radiationRadiation
ResponseLocal control in selected non-metastatic cases
ToxicityCystitis, urethritis, late side effects on rectum.
Cost range$5,000–$8,000

Recurrent mutations in this cancer

Frequencies from canine clinico-genomic cohorts. SciRouter Oncology auto-checks every mutation in your dog's report against the OncoKB-aligned database for matched targeted therapies.

GeneFrequency
BRAF
80%
TP53
12%

Questions to ask your vet

  • Did we run the CADET BRAF urine assay before invasive diagnostics?
  • What's the BRAF mutation status?
  • Is the tumor at the trigone? Does that change our options?
  • Are we using piroxicam alone, or combining with chemo?
  • What signs warrant emergency care (obstruction)?

Quality-of-life notes

Most QoL impact is from urinary symptoms. NSAIDs help significantly. Quality-of-life can be very good for many months on piroxicam-based protocols.

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