03286: Single Nucleus RNA Sequencing of Canine Hemangiosarcoma - A Comparative Study of Splenic, Extra-Splenic, and Metastatic Tumor Profiling for Targeted Therapeutic Development

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer originating from the lining of blood vessels, predominantly affecting larger dogs. These dogs often present as an emergency because they have a bleeding mass in their abdomen. Unfortunately, this aggressive cancer spreads rapidly, and most affected dogs survive only 23 months after surgical removal of their bleeding tumor, with chemotherapy extending survival to 4-6 months. Despite the use of chemotherapy, survival rates have shown minimal improvement over the years, highlighting the urgent need for better treatment options. A promising new technology called single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) has the potential to transform the treatment approach to hemangiosarcoma. RNA stands for ribonucleic acid, a type of genetic material that is found in all living cells. It acts like a messenger carrying instructions from DNA to other parts of the cell and plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and cellular functions. SnRNAseq would allow researchers to examine gene expression in individual cells, providing insights into which genes are expressed, at what levels, and how their expression differs between cancerous and normal cells.

The reseachers’ goal is to use snRNA-seq to identify markers specific to canine hemangiosarcoma that are absent in normal tissue. Identifying these markers could pave the way for developing targeted therapies that selectively attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This innovative approach holds promise for advancing treatment strategies and improving outcomes for dogs affected by this aggressive cancer.