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

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