Yale Researchers Develop Cancer Vaccine for Dogs with Potential Human Applications
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Yale University have successfully developed a cancer vaccine for dogs that has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment for both canines and humans. This innovative vaccine has shown promising results in increasing the 12-month survival rate of dogs with cancer by nearly double. The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond our furry friends, as it holds great promise for human cancer patients as well.
Cancer immunotherapy, a treatment that boosts the immune system to fight cancer, was first approved by the FDA in 2011. Since then, oncologists have been armed with numerous powerful immunotherapies to combat cancer in humans. However, the same cannot be said for our canine companions. According to Mark Mamula, an immunologist at Yale, there has been a lack of new canine cancer treatments for decades, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in this field.
Mamula and his team at Yale took up the challenge and developed a cancer vaccine specifically designed for dogs. The vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies that target two proteins commonly found on certain cancer cells: EGFR and HER2. These mutations are also prevalent in human cancers, making this vaccine potentially applicable to both species. After demonstrating promising results in mice, the team decided to move forward with clinical trials in dogs.
The first clinical trial of the vaccine was launched in 2016 and has since been administered to over 300 dogs with three types of cancer: osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and transitional cell carcinoma. Although the trials are still ongoing, the results thus far have been remarkable. While dogs with these cancers typically have a 35% chance of surviving beyond one year after diagnosis, the vaccinated dogs have shown a 60% survival rate at the 12-month mark.
The success of the canine trials has exceeded Mamula’s expectations, leading him to establish a company called TheraJan to produce the treatment. He has also submitted the vaccine to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for review. If approved, the vaccine could be available as early as April, providing a game-changing treatment option for dogs with cancer.
While Mamula remains hopeful about trialing the vaccine in humans, his current focus is on canines. The mutations targeted by the vaccine are also prevalent in certain human cancers, but the process of testing and regulatory approval for human trials is an entirely different endeavor. However, Mamula’s dedication to seeing this through is unwavering, as he believes in the immense value of this breakthrough.
The potential impact of this cancer vaccine for dogs cannot be overstated. Veterinary oncologists, who have long felt limited by the tools at their disposal, are eagerly awaiting its approval. Gerry Post, a veterinarian involved in the early study of the vaccine, describes it as truly revolutionary and expresses his excitement about being a part of this groundbreaking development.
As Mamula continues his work in canine oncology, he remains optimistic about the future possibilities for human trials. For now, the focus is on obtaining approval for the vaccine for dogs, which could open up new avenues of treatment and hope for countless canine cancer patients. The journey towards finding a cure for cancer is a long and arduous one, but with each breakthrough, we come one step closer to winning the battle against this devastating disease.
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