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Study reveals effectiveness of diagnostic biomarkers for canine lymphoma
The results suggest that OBD's biomarkers can be successfully translated across species for related conditions.

Results highlight potential of non-invasive biomarkers in veterinary industry

Biotechnology company Oxford BioDynamics (OBD) has announced the results of a study focused on diagnosing B-cell lymphoma in dogs. OBD is centred around discovering and developing biomarkers based on regulatory 3D genome architecture, to be used within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

The study was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Conference on Advances in Liquid Biopsies, and was conducted in collaboration with multiple departments from the University of Minnesota including the College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Centre.

According to the study, OBD utilised its proprietary datasets of markers specific for regulatory 3D genome architecture of lymphoma in humans – as defined by its EpiSwitch platform – to assess if these could be successfully translated into dogs.

Using whole blood from a group of dogs with lymphoma the company was able to generate a new biomarker signature. This signature could correctly identify dogs with and without lymphoma with 80 per cent accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, as well as 80 per cent positive and negative predictive value.

These results suggest that OBD’s biomarkers can be successfully translated across species for related conditions, and could be applied in new therapeutic developments, including within the veterinary industry.

Chief scientific officer of Oxford BioDynamics Alexandre Akoulitchev said: “Our EpiSwitch technology has provided us with a great wealth of data associated with lymphoma patients, and subsequently allowed us to translate these insights into canines, where there is a well-recognised unmet need. It is clear that the fundamentals of 3D genomics open up a new dimension for the application of [these biomarkers], particularly in veterinary science and animal welfare.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.