Testing Strategies to Treat Drug-Resistant Hemangiosarcomas

Lysosomal Drug Sequestration by CSF-1R (High) Tumor Cells Contributes to Drug Resistance in Canine Hemangiosarcoma

Summary: Investigators are assessing the potential for a specific tumor-cell population in canine hemangiosarcoma to sequester drugs within their lysosomes as a novel mechanism of drug resistance.

Description: Canine hemangiosarcoma is a common and highly metastatic cancer that affects all breeds of dogs. These tumors are particularly drug resistant, which makes them difficult to treat.

The investigators recently identified a more drug-resistant cell population in hemangiosarcoma. These cells appear to be extremely efficient in isolating cancer drugs and preventing them from reaching their targets. The investigators will use several strategies to try to disrupt this process and they will determine whether any of these approaches improves drug responses and diminishes drug resistance. This could lead to more effective treatment of this difficult cancer.

Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, Grant Number: D14CA-047

RESEARCHERS

Dr. Erin B. Dickerson
University of Minnesota