Dog Cancer Vaccine Doubles Survival Rates in Trial
The greatest sorrow of owning a pet is their limited lifespan. Fortunately, scientists are addressing this issue by developing a new cancer vaccine for dogs, which significantly increases their survival rates against certain types of the disease.
Similar to humans, cancer is prevalent in dogs, particularly in larger and older breeds. However, while humans have numerous treatment options available, there are limited choices for dogs battling cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy are frequently used, but their varying success rates, along with associated costs and availability issues, often result in premature loss of canine companions.
Yale Scientists Adapt Human Cancer Treatments for Dual Benefits in Dogs and Humans
For their recent research, scientists at Yale modified existing human cancer therapies to develop a novel version with potential benefits for both humans and dogs, as certain cancers share characteristics across species. They focused on monoclonal antibodies, a burgeoning treatment method where patients are administered protein infusions that target EGFR and HER2, two proteins overexpressed in various cancers such as colorectal or breast cancer.
However, a common issue arises as patients often develop resistance to these antibodies, diminishing the treatment’s effectiveness over time. To address this challenge, the new study aimed to create polyclonal antibodies instead. These antibodies, derived from multiple immune cells, target various regions of EGFR/HER2.
After discovering a compound with such capabilities, the researchers conducted tests on mice followed by trials involving dogs. The results were highly promising, leading to multiple clinical trials over the past eight years, encompassing more than 300 dogs. The treatment effectively targeted tumors and disrupted the pathways facilitating their growth.
According to the researchers, their canine cancer vaccine has nearly doubled the 12-month survival rate for dogs afflicted with certain types of cancer. For instance, dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma typically have a 35% chance of surviving one year after diagnosis with conventional treatments like chemotherapy. However, the cancer vaccine increased this rate to 60%.
Living Proof of the Cancer Vaccine’s Success
Hunter, an 11-year-old golden retriever, serves as living evidence of the vaccine’s efficacy. Initially diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his front left leg in 2022, Hunter underwent amputation, chemotherapy, and received the new cancer vaccine. Two years later, he continues to lead a happy and active life.
Currently, the team is preparing for additional research to explore the potential of administering the cancer vaccine to healthy dogs as a preventive measure against cancer or to intervene at earlier stages of its development. Any efforts aimed at extending the lives of our beloved pets are considered a success by the team.
The findings from the clinical trial research were published in the journal Translational Oncology. Watch Hunter’s inspiring story in the accompanying video.
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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