Engineering a monoclonal antibody therapy for canine mast cell tumors

Posted on by Janet Boyd

Mast cell tumors (MCT) are the most common skin tumors in dogs. MCTs can vary in their growth from slow-growing to highly aggressive tumors, and treatment options are often limited, especially for tumors that have spread or can’t be removed. Chemotherapy is sometimes used, but has side effects. Despite treatment, most dogs eventually succumb to disease within a year of diagnosis. This highlights the need for more effective and precise therapy.

This study focuses on developing a new treatment using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). mAbs are already used to treat many human cancers. But in veterinary medicine, they are still new and not widely available. The antibodies are designed to target the protein KIT on mast cells. KIT is present on mast cells but not on other immune cells. By targeting KIT, the antibodies can precisely attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Researchers will evaluate how well these mAbs bind to KIT and kill cancer cells. The mAbs will be engineered to work more effective for dogs by designing them to look like natural canine antibodies.

The research goal is to develop a safe and effective therapy for dog mast cell cancer that can also serve as a model for treating similar conditions in other species that suffer from mast cell diseases, including humans and cats.

Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, Grant Number: 26CAANFT-0005

RESEARCHERS

Marietta M Ravesloot-Chavez, PhD; University of California Davis

Amount: $15,000

Advancing Canine Health: Liquid Biopsy for Early Relapse Detection and Improved Treatment of Mast Cell Tumors

Posted on by Crystal Smith

Mast cell tumor (MCT) is the most common malignant canine skin tumor, accounting for 16-21% of all skin tumors. All breeds can develop MCTs, but many purebreds (e.g., Boxers, Boston Terriers) are predisposed. Clinical management is challenging due to  unpredictable biological behavior and inaccurate biomarkers. While surgery is the  primary treatment, many dogs develop resistance to chemotherapy within months.

This study aims to develop a non-invasive “liquid biopsy” that uses blood sampling to  detect early disease progression and therapy resistance. Next-generation sequencing  (NGS) will measure tumor burden through circulating DNA, potentially revolutionizing  how we monitor these patients, improving their quality of life, and significantly  impacting veterinary oncology.

Relevance to PWDs:
All breeds can develop MCTs, including PWDs. This research offers significant  potential benefits by developing a non-invasive blood test that could detect relapse  earlier, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce the need for sedation or anesthesia  during monitoring. The non-invasive monitoring method being developed  would benefit any breed diagnosed with this common cancer.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 03368

RESEARCHERS

Paulo Vilar Saavedra, DVM, MS; University of Florida

Amount: $5,000

Artificial Intelligence-based Image Analysis of Lymph Node Mast Cell Burden in Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell

Posted on by Crystal Smith

Canine mast cell disease is one of the most common cancers in dogs. These tumors can be aggressive, with local recurrence, metastasis, and disease progression resulting in death. Lymph nodes are a major site of metastasis for canine mast cell tumors, and lymph nodes are routinely removed and evaluated for metastasis as part of the clinical workup in dogs with this disease.

The research team aims to use deep-learning based digital image analysis to evaluate lymph nodes in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumors for specific microscopic features associated with the risk of disease progression and death. These criteria can then be evaluated in dogs with mast cell disease, providing clinicians with additional prognostic information and allowing for more guided and meaningful therapy.

Co-sponsored with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Grant Number: 03282

RESEARCHERS

Ryan Jennings, DVM, PhD; Ohio State University

Amount: $5,000