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1806: A Novel Virus-Based Anti-Tumor Treatment for Canine Osteosarcoma

Grant Status: Open

Grant Amount: $118,848

Dr. Bruce F Smith, VMD PhD, Auburn University

March 1, 2013 - February 28, 2015

Sponsor(s): Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, Great Dane Club of America, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Leonberger Health Foundation, Newfoundland Club of America Charitable Trust, Old English Sheepdog Club of America, Rottweiler Health Foundation, Samoyed Club of America Education & Research Foundation

Breed(s): Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Greyhound, Irish Setter, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard

Disease(s): Osteosarcoma

Research Program Area: Oncology - Osteosarcoma

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Abstract

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive canine bone cancer, accounting for around 6% of all canine cancers. Even with the standard-of-care therapy of amputation and chemotherapy, the prognosis is poor, with most dogs dying due to tumor spread (metastasis) within one year, and less than 20% surviving to 2 years following diagnosis. Therefore, improved strategies to treat metastatic disease are needed. Using a novel approach, Dr. Smith has engineered a virus to multiply in and kill tumor cells while sparing normal cells. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that this virus-based anti-tumor treatment is safe when administered to canine osteosarcoma patients and is potentially efficacious in treating osteosarcoma. While this virus was hypothesized to kill osteosarcoma cells through its replication, Dr. Smith's research team hypothesizes that the viral vector may also stimulate an anti-tumor immune response in addition to the expected anti-viral response. In this study, the efficacy and mechanism of action of the virus-based anti-tumor treatment will be evaluated.