FidoCure and Stanford University researchers have published a landmark study in Nature Scientific Reports demonstrating how genomic profiling and targeted therapies can dramatically improve survival outcomes for dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA), often considered the most lethal canine cancer.
The peer-reviewed article, "Real-world evidence couples genomic biomarkers with therapeutic outcomes for canine hemangiosarcoma," analyzed data from 508 dogs enrolled in the FidoCure® Precision Medicine Platform. The findings represent a significant advancement in veterinary oncology and highlight the potential for cross-species applications in human medicine.
Significant Survival Improvements Through Precision Medicine
The study revealed that dogs receiving targeted therapies based on their tumor's genomic profile experienced a 1.8-fold improvement in median survival compared to those treated with surgery alone. When these targeted therapies were combined with traditional chemotherapy, the survival benefit increased to 2.6-fold.
"This study demonstrates the power of precision medicine in oncology, which we have known for decades is key in human patients, and now adds the dimension of cross-species comparisons," said George Demetri, MD, professor of medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. "We're seeing tangible benefits of tailoring treatments to a dog's specific tumor profile, which could revolutionize how we approach cancer care for our canine companions."
Hemangiosarcoma represents the largest unmet need in canine oncology. Dogs diagnosed with this aggressive cancer of the blood vessels are often euthanized shortly after diagnosis due to poor prognosis with conventional treatments.
Genetic Mutations as Predictive Biomarkers
A key breakthrough from the research is the identification of specific genetic mutations that can predict treatment response and survival outcomes. The study found that mutations in genes such as p53 and PIK3CA play significant roles in disease progression and treatment response.
Particularly noteworthy was the discovery that NRAS mutations mark a distinct and less aggressive subtype of HSA, even when co-existing with other high-risk mutations. This finding suggests that genomic subtyping can play a crucial role in developing more effective, personalized treatment plans.
"By leveraging AI, advanced genomic profiling, and targeted therapies, we are transforming a deadly cancer in dogs into a second chance at life—and gaining valuable insights for rare human cancers too," said Christina Lopes, founder and CEO of FidoCure.
Implications for Human Cancer Research
The study provides compelling evidence that canine HSA can serve as a valuable preclinical model for human angiosarcoma, a rare cancer where clinical trials are often limited by difficulties in patient recruitment. Traditional mouse models have proven inadequate for predicting treatment responses in this disease.
Dr. Demetri emphasized this potential: "This also opens up future dimensions of how we might learn lessons from our companion animals that could inform our research and therapies for humans with some of the most relentless cancers that afflict both humans and dogs. A big opening is clear for new research and therapy initiatives."
FidoCure has already begun collaborating with global pharmaceutical company Eisai on applications for human angiosarcoma research, demonstrating the translational value of their canine oncology platform.
Building on Previous Research
This publication represents FidoCure's fourth peer-reviewed paper in two years and their second major study on hemangiosarcoma. Their previous HSA study, published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, was recognized as one of the Top 10 Most-Cited Articles of 2023 in that publication.
Together, these studies provide some of the most comprehensive real-world data available for canine hemangiosarcoma and are helping to redefine treatment possibilities in veterinary oncology.
FidoCure has established itself as a leader in AI-driven precision oncology for pets, having created the world's largest canine cancer dataset with over 2 billion data points collected from patients treated across its network of 1,350 veterinary clinics worldwide.
As precision medicine continues to advance in both human and veterinary oncology, this research underscores the value of a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing complex medical challenges.
