GPCA Funded Grants – Cancer

Currently Funded Studies PDF file – a printable page on studies currently receiving grants from GPCA
 

GPCA Funded Studies/Research – 2010

Active Grant No. 00982: Evaluation of Efficacy of Fasaret in Dogs with Osteosarcoma

Funding Source: The GPCA CHF Donor Advised Fund

Principal Investigators : Dr. Don Bellgrau, PhD., Apoplogic Pharmaceuticals, LLC

Abstract:

This study seeks to find an adjunct treatment to standard therapy for osteosarcoma in canines. Standard treatment has been largely unsuccessful with less than 20% of dogs surviving more than 2 years from diagnosis. A new gene-based therapy has been developed that has shown promise in laboratory animals (mice). This study will evaluate if Fasaret, the therapeutic agent, will safely and effectively activate the immune system to recognize and kill tumor cells in affected dogs as it has in mice. The strudy will evaluate if Fasaret can be administered safely as an addition to standard care for dogs with bone cancer. Quality of life, overall survival and side effects will be part of the evaluation to define the safety and efficacy of this adjunct therapy.

Active Grant No. 01139: Immune Targeting of Canine Hemangiosarcoma Using a Canine Derived Single Chain Antibody Approach

Funding Source: Direct Contributions to the GPCA Health Committee

Principal Investigator: Dr. Nicola Mason, PhD, The University of Pennsylavania School of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract:

This research seeks to find a novel approach to the treatment of hemangiosarcoma. Most dogs with canine hemangiosarcoma have evidence of metastatic disease at time of diagnosis and rarely exceed 6 months survival. Using advanced molecular techniques, it is the aim of this research to use a novel canine synthetic antibody system to specifically target the tumor and deliver cytotoxic agents directly to both primary and metastatic lesions. This work hopes to develop the first canine-derived, tumor-specific targeted approach to the treatment of hemangiosarcoma. It is hoped that this approach will result in decreased side effects and increased theraprutic efficacy. It may also provide a framework for siilar approaches to many other tumor types in this species.

Active Grant No. 01355: A Expression of Vascular Endothelial Markers in Canine Hemangiosarcoma and Their Use in Diagnostic Cytology Using Immunocytochemistry

Funding Source: The GPCA CHF Donor Advised Fund

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kimberly Weber, DVM., University of Illinois

Abstract:

This study addresses the diagnostic challenges for suspected hemangiosarcoma in deep tissue or organs. Canine hemangiosarcomas occurring in locations other than the skin have a poor prognosis and require aggressive treatment. Diagnosis is most often pursued by surgical biopsy due to the need for adequate sample size. Fine needle aspiration is safer but is often not definitively diagnostic due to the small sample size and the similar appearance to other cancerous sells. The goal of this study is to identify a special cell marker which will defferentiate the hemangiosarcoma cells from that of similar cancers. This will allow canine hemangiosarcoma to be diagnosed more reliably through the use of fine needle aspiration and avoid costly and invasive surgery.

NOTE: None of the above studies are requesting samples from Great Pyrenees, and the results are not expected to be breed-specific.
 

GPCA Funded Studies/Research – 2009

Grant No. 757A&B: Hereditary Mutations in Genes Associated with Osteosarcoma in Large Dog Breeds

Funding Source: Direct contributions to the GPCA Health Committee and the GPCA Donor Advised Fund held by the Canine Health Foundation

Principal Investigators: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, PhD & Kenine Comstock, PhD The Broad Institute & University of Michigan School of Medicine

Abstract:

Osteosarcoma (OSA), or bone cancer, affects 8000-10,000 dogs in the USA annually. Large and giant breeds are at a much higher risk for this disease, suggesting that inherited risk factors are involved. Roughly 10-15 percent of Rottweilers and 15-20 percent of Greyhounds get the disease. The principal investigators of this study have identified several regions of the canine genome that are assoiciated with an increased risk for OSA in Rottweilers. A similar study is underway for Greyhounds and is expected to identify additional regions of importance. The purpose of this study is to identify actual genes and mutations causing the increased risk for bone cancer in Rottweilers and Greyhounds. The researchers intend to then determine the frequency of mutations in these genes in OSA in other breeds as well as in tumors. This work should allow the development of specific genetic tests for carriers of OSA and suggest further studies leading to improved treatments for bone cancer.

GPCA Health Committee Commentary: This study is a continuation of a study previously funded and supported by the GPCA, "Hereditary Mutations in Genes Assoiciated with Osteosarcoma in Large Breed Dogs". This is a 2 year study and will extend the information gathered to include other breeds. The initial study identified 7 loci on the genetic code for Rottweilers and Greyhounds which appear only in dogs affected with OSA. The intent is to further refine the information on those 2 breeds and to investigate the 7 loci in additional breeds of which Great Pyrenees is included.

Update, May 09: Interim report from this study indicates that they have received samples from 22 affected Pyrs, 56 controls and 25 older healthy controls. For the fine mapping they have matched 17 affected with 17 controls for Pyrs. There is initial confirmation that some of the loci associated with Rottweillers and OSA are also present in Pyrs with the disease. In addition to osteosarcoma they are also looking to see if the loci are present in other cancers (hemangiosarcoma, mast cell, melanoma and others).

Grant No. 976: Investigating the Role of STAT3 Activation in Canine Osteosarcoma

Funding Source: Direct contributions to the GPCA Health Committee and the GPCA Donor Advised Fund held by the Canine Health foundation

Principal Investigator: Cheryl London, DVM, PhD, Ohio State University

Abstract:

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor in dogs and despite aggressive treatment with amputation and chemotherapy, nearly all dogs die of their disease within 2 years of diagnosis. Unfortunately there have been no significant advancements in the treatment of OSA over the past 15 years. The laboratory at Ohio State University under the direction of Dr. London has been working on defining the molecular biology of OSA and has recently identified a cellular pathway that appears to be important for OSA cell survival. This involves a protein called STAT3 that is often abnormally activated in human cancers and has not yet been ivestigated in canine cancers. Several canine OSA cell lines tested were found to have excessive STAT3 activation indicating that this pathway may be useful for therapeutic intervention. In support of this, Dr. London's preliminary data demonstrates that an inhibitor of STAT3 activation is capable of killing canine OSA cell lines. The purpose of this grant is to perform a more thorough evaluation in canine OSA and by testing the ability of new STAT3 inhibitors developed at Columbus Children's Hospital to kill OSA cell lines. These studies will define the role of STAT3 in canine OSA and lay the groundwork for future clinical trials of STAT3 inhibitors in dogs with devastating disease.

Update May 09: Interim report indicates that they have found STAT3 is important for the growth and survival of osteosarcoma cells in canines and are in the process of identifying small molecule inhibitors which would be capable of blocking STAT3 function. The research did not request samples from Great Pyrenees, and the results should not be breed-specific.
 

Studies/Research Closed or Completed, Previously Funded by GPCA

Mapping Genes Associated with Osteosarcoma in Large Dog Breeds #373A Research headed by Dr. Kerstin Linblad-Toh, The Broad Institute. Downloadable Report PDF file

Inhibition of Collagenolysis in Canine Cruiciate Ligament During Rupture #2405 Research headed by Peter Muir, BVSc, PhD, University of Wisconsin. Downloadable Report PDF file

For more information in participating, contact Flo Laicher at pyrshire@comcast.net

Cancers Affecting the Great Pyrenees

Type of cancers affecting the Great Pyrenees vary. The most common, however, is osteosarcoma, with hemangiosarcoma rising behind it.

The GPCA currently co-funds research with The Broad Institute for osteosarcoma. This is a very important study, and the researchers are seeking samples of both affected and non-affected Great Pyrenees.

The Broad Institute is also conducting a study on various types of cancer — The Dog Genome Project. They are also seeking samples of both affected and non-affected Great Pyrenees for the following cancers:

  • Osteosarcoma
  • Hemangiosarcoma
  • Melanoma
  • Lymphoma
  • Mammary Cancer
  • Mast Cell
Information from the Broad Institute

Contact/instructions for submissions for The Dog Genome Project, Grant 757A&B – Osteosarcoma, or any of the above conditions are available below.

Submission Form with Instructions PDF file

We are unable to reimburse for the cost of shipping or veterinary expenses, and we greatly appreciate your assistance with our research.

Please see our flyer PDF file for more details on our research. If you have questions please contact us.

Collecting Samples

We prefer blood samples because they give us more DNA and much higher quality DNA.

Unfortunately, we can not provide blood collection kits. To send a blood sample, you will need:

  1. 5 mL EDTA tube
  2. the consent form PDF file signed by the owner
  3. shipping materials

Please have your vet collect 5 mL of blood in the EDTA tube. Your vet should be able to provide the EDTA tube. Information for veterinarians

Please label the tube with the following information:

  • Dog's name
  • Breed
  • AKC number
  • Sex

If your dog has been sick, even if they are now healthy, please include copies of any diagnostic reports from your vet, including:

  • histopathology reports
  • blood tests
  • radiograph and ultrasound analysis

Shipping Samples

Ship the blood and the signed consent form to:

Dog Genome Project
Broad Institute
7 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142

If possible, let us know to expect your sample:
     E-mail: dog-info@broad.mit.edu
     Fax: (617) 324-4987

When shipping blood samples, please be very careful to package it to prevent breakage and leaking. Tubes should be wrapped in soft material to pad the glass tubes, and then sealed in a ziploc bag (which will prevent any leaking if a sample tube is broken). Samples from multiple dogs may be shipped together but please ensure that the tubes are labeled clearly so that there will not be any confusion as to which dog the blood belongs to. Please use a box for the shipping that will not be crushed through normal handling by the post office (or any other carrier). Extra packing (i.e. some crumpled newspaper) should be added to the box to minimize movement of the tubes within the shipping box.

Please note that we must have a signed consent form for every dog participating in our research. We will also need the AKC number or pedigree information.

Additional Information

Many veterinarians are willing to collect additional blood for our research as part of routine bloodwork.

Even if less than 5 mL of blood is collected, please send the sample. Blood is very rich in DNA and as little as 2 mL can be sufficient.

If sending blood for multiple dogs with the same owner, the owner information can be filled out on just one consent form. It is critical, though, that for each dog we have a consent form with the dog's information and the owner/agent signature.

Our flyer with more information on our research PDF file
Consent Form PDF file
Information for veterinarians

If you have questions please contact the Broad Institute at dog-info@broad.mit.edu or Contact Flo Laicher at pyrshire@comcast.net.