Dogs are often referred to as a human’s best friend, but learning that a beloved pet has been diagnosed with cancer can be devastating for an owner. Canine cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, and treatment options are often limited for dogs diagnosed with late-stage or terminal cancer. However, a new form of chemoimmunotherapy is providing hope for both dogs and human patients.
In a recent study published in Stem Cell Research Therapy, scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) used stem cell precision engineering technology to treat cancer-stricken dogs. The therapy involved modifying cells to deliver a potent “kill-switch” that produced a high, localized concentration of a cancer-killing drug (5-fluorouracil) in the tumor environment and subsequently induced anti-cancer immunity.
The study treated a total of 65 dogs and 2 cats with conditions such as perianal adenoma, lung metastasis, and sarcoma. Out of the treated patients, 56 showed positive results, with 14 showing full recovery from the treatment. Two of the animal patients have remained cancer-free for 30 months post-treatment.
A partner university will be conducting animal clinical trials in 2023 while the NUS team works with health institutions to review the therapy’s safety and efficacy for veterinary medicine and clinical trials on human patients. The researchers hope to start human trials next year.
The stem cell modification therapy is unique in that it differs from other cell and gene therapies that use viruses to introduce genes into cells. The modification uses a chemical carrier instead of a virus, making it safer and facing fewer regulatory restrictions in the development of the treatment. Additionally, the therapy design has a significantly shorter cycle and lower cost of production, making it a more accessible and affordable option.
“To repurpose stem cells for cancer treatment, it is typical to use viruses to introduce therapeutic genes into the cells,” said Associate Professor Too Heng-Phon, who led the NUS research team. “We have designed a non-viral gene delivery platform that introduces a high payload of therapeutic genes into the stem cells, effectively destroying the out-of-control growing cancer cells.”
Heng-Phon continued, “With this therapy, which has been proven safe and demonstrated promising clinical benefits in animal patients, we hope to develop effective treatment options for human patients with cancer as well, improving their health without compromising their quality of life.”
The success of this stem cell therapy in treating canine cancer is a promising development in the fight against cancer, both for dogs and for human patients. By continuing to research and refine this therapy, scientists hope to bring hope and improved health to those affected by cancer.