Innovative Cancer Treatment for Pets
Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), in partnership with the Autonomous Universities of Baja California and Guadalajara, have created an experimental product featuring silver nanoparticles that promises to enhance the treatment of various types of cancer in dogs and cats. This new approach shows greater efficacy than conventional therapies while avoiding toxicity and side effects.
Scientific literature indicates that approximately 95% of dogs and cats are likely to develop some form of oncological condition during their lifetime. Despite significant advancements in veterinary medicine for treating these ailments, one of the ongoing challenges remains effectively combating the disease without inflicting harm on the rest of the organism.
Led by scientists from the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CNyN) at UNAM, the research suggests that a formulation based on silver nanoparticles could serve as a viable alternative to halt tumour growth and slow disease progression without causing adverse effects.
Properties and Potential of Silver Nanoparticles
Nina Bogdanchikova, a researcher at CNyN and head of the International Network of Bionanotechnology with Impact on Biomedicine, Food and Biosecurity, explains that certain materials acquire unique chemical and physical properties when reduced to nanoscale dimensions, which can be harnessed for medical purposes.
According to Bogdanchikova, silver nanoparticles possess considerable medical potential against viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancer, and diabetes. However, she cautions that their use can also pose risks, as most of these particles can become toxic when their dimensions fall below 100 nanometres, limiting their safe application in living organisms.
To address these concerns, the researchers developed Argovit, an experimental formulation of silver nanoparticles that reportedly exhibits neither toxicity nor side effects. It can be up to 200 times more effective against neoplasms compared to traditional treatments. One of the key features of this product is its ability to selectively target cancerous cells, potentially alleviating some of the side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as hair loss and damage to other organs.
Research Progress and Patient Cases
The project is currently in the first of three phases of research. During this initial stage, specialists are assessing the effectiveness of Argovit against various types of cancer at different stages of the disease. They are also seeking to determine the most suitable administration route for each case and monitor the animals’ progress through X-rays, blood tests, and scans to document changes in tumours and disease advancement.
So far, eight patients, encompassing both dogs and cats with different types of neoplasms, are participating in this protocol. Norma Elvira Díaz Ramos, a veterinary physician involved in the programme, reports positive advancements in all cases.
A notable case highlighted by the researchers involves “Ody,” a 14-year-old mixed-breed dog diagnosed with a bone neoplasm in the scapula. Prior to joining the experimental project, Ody’s medical team had given her a life expectancy of one to two months due to metastasis in the lungs. Initially deemed unsuitable for the protocol, she was eventually included and began treatment in April 2026, receiving the lowest dose of Argovit every 24 hours.
According to studies and X-rays conducted until August 2026, after four months of treatment, while the metastasis remained, the progression of the disease had ceased. “It’s astonishing. We are not eliminating the cancer, but we have improved her quality of life and halted disease progression at a metastatic stage,” Díaz noted.
Future Implications of Argovit
The specialists believe these results indicate a promising potential for this formulation. However, they emphasise that the findings are still preliminary and do not allow for definitive conclusions regarding its efficacy against all cancer types.
Encouraged by these initial results, the researchers suggest that Argovit could eventually be integrated into targeted medical therapies, potentially extending to human treatment in the future. “We need to complete studies on animals before progressing to humans, but this will require additional time and funding. Nevertheless, Argovit is a strong candidate for applicable medicine,” Bogdanchikova concluded.