03032-MOU: Early Detection of Canine Osteosarcoma
Grant Status: Open
One Health: Yes
Abstract
Primary bone cancers (called osteosarcomas) affect more than 8,000 dogs, and possibly as many as 50,000 dogs per year in the United States. Although the risk for bone cancer is greatest in large and giant breeds, it is a health concern for many breeds. The impact of the problem is highlighted by the fact that osteosarcoma accounts for up to 10-20% mortality in some breeds. While osteosarcoma is treatable, only 30-40% of dogs that receive the standard of care survive one year or longer, and fewer than 20% are alive at two years. In addition, some dogs suffer significant treatment-related morbidity. Thus, better strategies to manage this cancer are needed. Given the current understanding that size and longevity are two major factors associated with osteosarcoma risk, and the challenges of treating this disease once it is established, investigators have focused efforts on developing tests that allow detection of osteosarcoma at or near its origin. Early detection, in turn, will enable the deployment of strategic prevention in dogs at high risk. This project will place special emphasis on Irish Wolfhounds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, and Leonbergers, without neglecting other breeds (or mixed breed dogs) at risk. The central goal is to develop a blood test for early detection of osteosarcoma as the initial step in the implementation of the long-term strategy of early detection and targeted prevention. Success in this effort will be foundational to implement the test in clinical practice and to provide access to prevention. Investigators propose that this approach—combining early detection and targeted prevention—is a novel and potentially transformative strategy to address the unmet health need for dogs at risk of bone cancer. This project may also add to the proof-of-concept that will enable using this type of approach to reduce the impact of cancer in humans.
Funding for the research is provided through the collaborative efforts and generosity of the Golden Retriever Foundation®, Great Dane Club of America Charitable Trust, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Irish Wolfhound Foundation and Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Leonberger Health Foundation International, Rottweiler Health Foundation, and the AKC Canine Health Foundation, which will oversee grant administration and scientific progress.
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