When your pet has a tumor, you want options that treat the cancer and still let your pet feel like themselves. Electrochemotherapy, which we call Tumor Specific Electroporation or TSE, is one of those options. VSP begins offering it in Louisville on Monday, October 19, 2026.
How it works. During TSE, needles are used to apply a brief electric field to the tumor area. The field creates temporary openings in the tumor cells, so more of the chemotherapy drug gets inside. The drug is bleomycin, which is very well tolerated and does not cause whole body (systemic) side effects. Because treatment is focused on the tumor, effects on nearby healthy tissue are generally limited.
- Chemotherapy is given. The chemotherapy drug is given to your pet.
- Pores open. The electric field forms temporary pores in the tumor cell membranes so the drug can enter.
- Pores close. The pores close after treatment, keeping the drug inside the tumor cells.
- Tumor cells are targeted. The drug breaks down tumor cell DNA, small blood vessels feeding the tumor clot off, and the immune system is activated.
Who may benefit. TSE is often considered for tumors in places where surgery is tricky, like the mouth, tongue, face, neck and lower legs. It can also be used after surgery, before surgery or as comfort care. It may be an option for tumors that have shown little or no response to conventional chemotherapy.
What the visit is like. Your pet will be sedated so they stay still and comfortable, and the area is shaved and cleaned. Bleomycin is given into the bloodstream (IV) or directly into the tumor. The procedure is quick, usually 30 minutes or less, and most pets go home the same day.
How many treatments. For most pets, we recommend a minimum of 2 treatments, typically given 2 to 3 weeks apart, with no rechecks needed in between.
After treatment. The treated area may swell, change color, turn black or crust. Looking worse before it looks better is a normal part of healing. Once healed, the skin may be slightly lighter or darker than before. TSE is usually not painful, but we will send your pet home with pain medication just in case.
What the research shows. In one published study of dogs with mast cell tumors that could not be fully removed by surgery, 85% responded to electrochemotherapy (Spugnini and colleagues, 2006). Results depend on the tumor type and size.
Next steps. Ask your family veterinarian if TSE could help, or call us at (502) 901-7990. Learn more on our TSE page or our cancer care page, or download the TSE handout (PDF).
Reviewed by Scott Rizzo, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), MBA
