Canine cancer fought using immune system cycles
The Biotempus team realised administering treatment at the wrong time could reduce its efficacy. (stock photo)
A clinical immunotherapy trial in Ohio is reportedly giving some dogs with advanced cancer a new lease of life by using the immune system to their advantage.
Dr Carol Osborne, founder and director of Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center, is working with a research team at Biotempus Limited, Australia, after they made a remarkable discovery about the immune system.
Whilst researching AIDS in mice, it became apparent that some responded better to the same treatment at different times post-inoculation. The Biotempus team realised the immune system runs on a cycle (in both dogs and humans). Therefore, administering treatment at the wrong time could reduce its efficacy.
Dr Osborne's 'Synchronization of Immunotherapy' study began in April and is due to run until December. Daily blood tests are taken from dogs in the trial for a few weeks to find out when their immune system is strongest. When it reaches its peak, the patient receives chemotherapy drugs, making the medication more effective at triggering the immune system to fight cancer.
Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center highlights a number of success stories, including 11-year-old golden retriever Sophie who had a large tumour on her right shoulder and is said to be in remission after undergoing several weeks of the experimental treatment.
Likewise, 12-year-old Tibetan terrier Farley is said to be in remission after taking part in the trial for late stage liver cancer.
However, Dr Osborne says the treatment isn't working a miracle for all patients but it is not known at this stage why it works for some dogs, while others with the same types of cancer do not respond at all.
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
