A new therapy combination that has been shown to prolong the lives of dogs with canine cancer may pave the way for similar treatment in humans.
Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital said a study involving a new type of immunotherapy on companion dogs diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) maysoon lead to human clinical trials.
The study, conducted, in collaboration with the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, used an innovative type of T-cell therapy in addition to routine chemotherapy treatment. The researchers saw a nearly four-fold improvement in survival rates for the dogs that received both therapies in comparison to the dogs who just received chemotherapy treatment.
Ultimately, they were able to increase the dogs’ tumor-free survival by nine months. In a human life, that could equate to seven years, according to the researchers.
“We followed the same rigid standards that we practice for human clinical trials at MD Anderson to ensure the safety of each dog,” said senior investigator Dr. Laurence Cooper, in a press release issued by Texas MD Anderson. “While these pets are benefiting from the T-cell infusions, this collaboration with Texas A&M is a driving force for undertaking similar clinical trials in humans.”
The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.