This article appeared on the Pets Magazine April 2025 issue. (pp12-14)
Written by Marie Carter-Cobb
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In the latest episode of The Pets Mag Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr ILONA HOLCOMB (pictured right), Director of Bioscience at Silicon Valley-based tech start-up ImpriMed. We discussed the groundbreaking impact AI is having on veterinary oncology.
Cancer. The very word strikes fear into pet owners everywhere. A devastating diagnosis that was once considered a death sentence can now be challenged thanks to pioneering advancements in technology. At the forefront of this exciting frontier is ImpriMed, a Silicon Valley startup harnessing artificial intelligence to offer personalised cancer treatment for pets. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Ilona Holcomb, Director of Bioscience at ImpriMed, for the Pets Mag Podcast, where she shed light on the groundbreaking impact AI is having on veterinary oncology.
With over two decades of experience in molecular biotechnology and cancer research, Dr Holcomb specialises in uncovering the genetic mysteries of aggressive breast and prostate cancers. Now, her expertise is channelled towards improving outcomes for our four-legged companions. ImpriMed’s approach is precise, bespoke and remarkably effective, as Dr Holcomb explained: “AI allows us to detect complex patterns quicker than the human eye could ever manage. Think of those magic-eye images-what looks like meaningless dots suddenly reveals a clear image if you look at it correctly. AI makes this happen faster and more accurately, especially vital in complex diseases like cancer.”
How exactly does ImpriMed’s method work? In a nutshell, it begins with live cancer cells taken directly from the affected pet. By analysing these cells, AI rapidly identifies individual biological signatures and matches them against a library of treatment possibilities, revealing which chemotherapeutics would be most effective. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all treatments; this approach ensures pets receive tailored care specifically targeting their cancer.
“It’s about finding puzzle pieces that form a personalised picture of cancer for that specific patient,” said Dr Holcomb, highlighting the fundamental shift away from traditional blanket treatments towards individualised care. It’s a concept familiar in human medicine-precision oncology-but its translation into veterinary practice is revolutionary, promising not only improved survival rates but also a better quality of life for pets undergoing treatment. Yet, groundbreaking innovations rarely come without challenges. Dr Holcomb acknowledged the reluctance among some veterinary oncologists to embrace new technology. “These vets are incredibly dedicated and often cautious about adopting methods they’re unfamiliar with,” she said, emphasising that ImpriMed must first demonstrate the effectiveness of AI-driven treatments. Winning their trust is key; after all, the lives of beloved pets hang in the balance.
Cost, always a pressing issue in veterinary oncology, is another factor ImpriMed carefully navigates. Dr Holcomb clarified that comparing AI-driven treatment to traditional therapies isn’t straightforward because AI offers crucial decision-making guidance from the outset. “We strive to keep our pricing accessible, with the hope that informed treatment decisions ultimately reduce the overall financial burden on pet owners," she explained. Dr Holcomb is confident: “AI will soon become the standard in veterinary oncology.”
With cancer treatments notoriously expensive, a well-directed approach informed by AI might actually lower long-term costs. Currently, ImpriMed’s groundbreaking technology is already available internationally, including to vets in the UK. “We have doctors in the UK, Canada, and even Paris regularly sending us samples,” Dr Holcomb proudly noted. The only logistical hurdle: ensuring live cancer cells reach their lab swiftly. Yet, advances in transportation and expedited processes are steadily overcoming this barrier.
Looking ahead, Dr Holcomb is confident AI will soon become the standard in veterinary oncology. “AI is extensively integrated into human cancer care, and the veterinary field usually follows." AI allows us to detect complex patterns quicker than the human eye could ever manage. Within the next five years, she predicts AI- based methods will become mainstream, dramatically changing how cancer care is approached worldwide. ImpriMed began in 2017, initially offering their AI-based insights freely to veterinary oncologists. After building trust and credibility, they officially launched their service commercially in 2020. “We’ve been refining and perfecting our technology since then. AI thrives on data-the more we collect, the better our predictive power,” said Dr Holcomb. And the future? Expansion is the watchword. Dr Holcomb revealed ImpriMed plans to extend the range of cancers they treat and increase the types of therapeutics they assess.
Currently, they analyse 13 chemotherapeutics for canine lymphoma, but this number will rapidly grow as more drugs are evaluated. The technology is also expanding to feline oncology, ensuring cats aren’t left behind in the cancer care revolution. As my chat with Dr Holcomb drew to a close, it was clear we are standing at the threshold of a new era-one where artificial intelligence transforms hope into reality, providing life-changing care for the pets we cherish most. For further information, visit www.imprimedicine.com.
