Studying Hemangiosarcoma Subtypes and Treatment Response

SUMMARY: Researchers are studying if hemangiosarcoma subtypes influence how affected dogs respond to treatment – a step toward precision medicine for these  patients.

DESCRIPTION: Research suggests that hemangiosarcoma, a deadly cancer in dogs, is not one disease but made up of many different subtypes. The team found that dogs with one type of HSA are more likely to live longer than dogs that have a different  type of HSA. This may explain why current treatments fail to help most dogs with HSA live longer despite aggressive care. To address this issue, researchers will identify the HSA type or signature in tumors from dogs that have lived longer than other dog patients with HSA. The team is using data from a study in progress to inform their evaluation of archived tissues to assess prevalence and survival. They hope their  findings will help uncover the best treatment options for individual dogs with specific types of HSA and improve outcomes for this challenging canine cancer.

POTENTIAL IMPACT: If the team is successful, their findings could have a major impact  on how HSA is treated in dogs as well as provide information on long-term prognosis based on subtype. These results could help both veterinarians and pet parents make more informed decisions for dogs diagnosed with this terrible cancer.

Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, Grant Number: D24CA-535

RESEARCHERS

Erin Dickerson, PhD; University of Minnesota

Amount: $10,000