Research Objective:

Gene Expression Profiling of Relapsed LYMPHOMA in Dogs

Principal Investigator:

W.C. Kisseberth, DVM, PhD
Ohio State University

Abstract: Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs. Breeds with a high incidence include Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. It is also one of the most treatable cancers – more than 90 percent of dogs treated with chemotherapy go into remission. Unfortunately, most dogs relapse and eventually die from the disease. Dr. Kisseberth is developing a tool called a cDNA expression array. This tool will help scientists determine why lymphoma cells behave differently from dog to dog. Dr. Kisseberth believes that, as in humans, these cells look the same under the microscope but actually fall into sub-classifications and hopes to use the cDNA array to determine if there are specific genes with a good or poor diagnosis for dogs diagnosed with lymphoma. This knowledge will help develop specific drug therapies to effectively fight the disease.