Research

Previously funded studies appear chronologically, with the most recent appearing first.

  • Testing a Potential Therapeutic Target for Lymphoma

    2014
    Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP): A Novel Therapeutic Target for Canine Lymphoma Summary: This study investigates a new therapeutic target (valosin-containing protein) for dogs with lymphoma. Description: A cure for canine lymphoma remains elusive, in part because of the lack of molecular-targeted therapies that can circumvent chemotherapy resistance. The research team’s previous findings suggest that valosin-containing protein […]
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  • Testing Strategies to Treat Drug-Resistant Hemangiosarcomas

    2014
    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 […]
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  • Exploring the use of a Virus Based Anticancer Strategy for Lymphoma

    2014
    A Clinical Trial of VSV-cIFNbeta-NIS Oncolytic Virotherapy for Canine B-Cell Lymphoma Summary: This study explores the safety and effectiveness of a new virus-based therapy, developed at Mayo Clinic, for dogs with B-cell lymphoma. Description: Lymphoma is one of the most commonly occurring malignant tumors in dogs. Though treatable, the disease often recurs and spreads. This […]
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  • Beyond the Genome: The Intersection of Genes and the Environment in Canine Cancer

    2013
    Not all genes are active at all times. DNA methylation (the addition of methyl groups to DNA) is one of several mechanisms that cells use to control gene expression. Abnormal patterns of DNA methylation have been observed in human cancer. However, methylation remains an unexplored dimension of canine disease. This seed grant to Dr. Wayne […]
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  • Clinical Advancement of a Cancer Vaccine in Dogs

    2013
    Canine lymphoma is the most common blood-based cancer in dogs with an estimated annual incidence of 30/100,000. Chemotherapy induces remission in 75-85% of patients; however, the majority of patients relapse with drug-resistant lymphoma within 8-10 months of diagnosis and most dogs die of their disease shortly thereafter. Cell-based vaccine strategies that stimulate anti-tumor immunity have […]
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  • Disrupting the Differentiation of Cancer Stem Cells to Prevent the Spread of Hemangiosarcoma

    2013
    Hemangiosarcoma is a rapidly fatal disease. The lifetime risk is alarmingly high for some breeds like Golden Retrievers (~20% will die of this disease) and Portuguese Water Dogs (~15% will die of this disease). The risk of hemangiosarcoma is not limited to just these breeds but is considered a research priority for 40 different breed […]
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  • Developing Ways to Improve Cancer Treatments

    2013
    Methods of predicting tumor response to a given chemotherapy protocol have historically focused on a few traits that could be measured in biopsy samples. Recent approaches have looked at the activity of genes within tumors to predict a tumor’s sensitivity to a given drug. Because many dogs with osteosarcoma eventually succumb to it in spite […]
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  • Assessing How a Protein Helps Hemangiosarcoma Cells Survive

    2013
    Canine hemangiosarcoma is a common and highly fatal cancer in dogs. Recent evidence suggests that populations of cancer stem cells give rise to tumors, promote tumor growth and are the main culprits behind drug resistance and disease recurrence. This study examines how a protein expressed by stem cells contributes to the maintenance and survival of […]
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  • Determining a More Effective Treatment for Canine Lymphoma

    2013
    This study evaluates the efficacy of two antibodies that could treat canine B-cell lymphoma. The investigators theorize that either antibody alone will kill lymphoma cells and delay tumor progression but that the combined effect of the two antibodies will be more effective as a treatment for dogs with lymphoma. Co-sponsored with the Morris Animal Foundation, […]
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  • Evaluating a Novel Drug for Lymphoma

    2013
    Lymphoma accounts for an estimated 25 percent of all canine cancers. This study investigates a new therapeutic antibody that appears to effectively kill canine lymphoma cells but does not appear to result in serious side effects. Researchers will work to find the best dosage and evaluate the drug’s safety and effectiveness in dogs with B-cell […]
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