02234-MOU: A Novel Approach for Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Grant Status: Closed
Abstract
Hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer in dogs, is the cause of death for one out of every five Golden Retrievers in the United States. Portuguese Water Dogs and Boxers also have an especially high risk for this disease which is devastating for all dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is incurable partly because the cancer is detected at a very advanced stage when it is resistant to conventional therapies. Thus, an unconventional approach to improve outcomes for hemangiosarcoma patients will involve effective methods for early detection and for disease prevention. This project will pair two novel technologies consisting of a patented test to detect hemangiosarcoma cells in blood samples, and a treatment that attacks the cells that establish and maintain the disease. Three milestones will be met: first, will be to expand understanding of the performance and utility of the blood test for cancer in dogs with active disease; second will be to confirm the utility of the test to predict disease progression in treated dogs. And third will be to establish the performance of the test in the "early detection" setting (dogs at high risk without evidence of active cancer), and thus measure hemangiosarcoma prevention through eradication of the tumor initiating cells with the targeted, investigational drug. This project will create tools to guide further development, licensing and deployment of these paired technologies against cancer, specifically hemangiosarcoma, with an ultimate goal for disease prevention in all dogs.
Funding for the research is provided through the collaborative efforts and generosity of the American Boxer Charitable Foundation, Golden Retriever Foundation, and Portuguese Water Dog Foundation. The AKC Canine Health Foundation supports the funding of this effort and will oversee administration of funds and scientific progress.
Publication(s)
Sarver, A. L., Makielski, K. M., DePauw, T. A., Schulte, A. J., & Modiano, J. F. (2022). Increased risk of cancer in dogs and humans: A consequence of recent extension of lifespan beyond evolutionarily determined limitations? Aging and Cancer. https://doi.org/10.1002/aac2.12046
Borgatti, A., Fieberg, A., Winter, A. L., Stuebner, K., Taras, E., Todhunter, D., Masyr, A., Rendhal, A., Vallera, D. A., Koopmeiners, J. S., & Modiano, J. F. (2020). Impact of Repeated Cycles of EGF Bispecific Angiotoxin (eBAT) Administered at a Reduced Interval from Doxorubicin Chemotherapy in Dogs with Splenic Hemangiosarcoma. Veterinary and Comparative Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12590
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