New Research Links Canine Cancer to Advances in Human Treatment

Research from the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College is offering new hope for both dogs and humans battling osteosarcoma, a deadly bone cancer. The Dog Osteosarcoma Group – Biomarkers of Neoplasia (DOGBONe) is collaborating with experts in veterinary and human health to develop earlier and more accurate blood tests for this aggressive cancer.

Osteosarcoma primarily affects children and young adults. Notably, one of the most recognized cases is that of Canadian hero Terry Fox. Current treatment options for humans include chemotherapy and surgery, with a survival rate of 60 to 75% if the cancer has not metastasized at the time of diagnosis. Unfortunately, approximately one-third of patients may experience a relapse, and 80% of those may succumb to the disease within five years. Alarmingly, this survival rate has not significantly improved in over three decades.

The limitations of existing diagnostic methods are evident. Current practices typically involve examining a tumor under a microscope and assigning it a grade based on its appearance. This method, which aims to predict patient responses to treatment, is not always accurate. Additionally, metastases often go undetected until they become visible through imaging techniques like CT scans.

In contrast, the researchers at Ontario Veterinary College are taking a novel approach by studying pet dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Their findings reveal that certain molecules, specifically microRNAs, might serve as better predictors of patient outcomes. According to Dr. Geoffrey Wood, a pathobiology professor and co-leader of DOGBONe, “At the genetic and clinical levels, the cancer is nearly identical in both dogs and humans.” Osteosarcoma is particularly painful for older and larger dog breeds and occurs approximately ten times more frequently in dogs than in humans.

Dr. Alicia Viloria-Petit, a biomedical sciences professor and co-leader of the group, notes that advancements in cancer biology and biomedical engineering over the past decade have led to the discovery of genetic markers that help researchers understand disease progression better. MicroRNAs, which recently contributed to a Nobel Prize in Medicine for U.S. scientists in 2024, are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for early cancer detection. These small molecules, which regulate cell growth and behavior, often appear in elevated levels in the blood of cancer patients.

In a recent study published in PLOS One, Dr. Wood identified a specific microRNA elevated in dogs with osteosarcoma, correlating with shorter survival times and faster disease progression. “We are actively working to turn this discovery into a quick and practical test that can assist owners and veterinarians in making critical treatment decisions,” he states. This knowledge empowers pet owners and veterinarians to decide between chemotherapy and palliative care, ensuring a better quality of life for their animals.

The DOGBONe team is also adapting these findings to human cancer treatment. One innovative solution they are pursuing is a “lab-on-a-chip system” designed to measure key molecules in human blood samples. Dr. Huiyan Li, a biomedical engineer and professor at the College of Engineering, is overseeing the system’s development. This technology, which can perform laboratory tasks in a compact format, allows for rapid testing. COVID-19 testing is a simpler example of this system’s capabilities, and the DOGBONe team aims to create a similar tool specifically for predicting osteosarcoma metastasis.

In addition to its research efforts, DOGBONe fosters connections between scientists and individuals impacted by osteosarcoma. Earlier this year, the group hosted a pioneering event that brought together scientists and survivors—both human and canine—who shared their personal experiences with this cancer. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between those affected by the disease and researchers dedicated to advancing treatment.

This significant research initiative receives support from the OVC Pet Trust and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. Through their collaborative efforts, the DOGBONe team is poised to make meaningful contributions to the understanding and treatment of osteosarcoma, benefiting both canine and human patients alike.