The Challenge & Our Research

The Scope of the Problem

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, yet treatment options remain limited. Our foundation is dedicated to advancing immunotherapy research, a groundbreaking approach that could provide safer, more effective treatment options for dogs battling cancer.

Statistics

30-40%

Cancer affects 30-40% of dogs at some point in their lives.

50%

Nearly 50% of dogs over 10 years old will develop cancer.

Limitations of chemotherapy and radiation
  • Often too aggressive for older dogs.
  • Can significantly impact quality of life.
  • Expensive, with limited insurance coverage for pets.

The Need for Alternative Solutions

Why Traditional Treatments Fall Short
  • Chemotherapy and radiation are often too toxic and poorly tolerated, especially in older dogs.
  • Many pet owners decline these treatments due to side effects.
The Promise of Immunotherapy
  • Uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
  • Immunotherapy may allow to reduce the dose of chemotherapy and radiation.
  • Less invasive, potentially fewer side effects.
  • Growing support in human medicine, but underutilized in veterinary care.

 

Funding is Crucial

The Funding Gap
  • Veterinary cancer research receives a fraction of the funding compared to human oncology.
  • Immunotherapy research in dogs is severely underfunded.
How the Foundation Helps
  • Supporting academic research into viable immunotherapies.
  • Funding studies that can yield real-world treatment options.
  • Accelerating the adaptation of human immunotherapy for canine cancers

Immunotherapy for Canine Cancer

Most cancers suppress the immune system, preventing it from mounting a defense. Immunotherapy works by
  • Supporting the function of the dog’s compromised immune cells.
  • Using engineered immune cells or their molecules to recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • Helping the immune system detect and respond to cancer while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
The Challenges in Canine Immunotherapy Research

While immunotherapy has revolutionized human cancer treatment, its application in veterinary medicine remains limited.

Human Research is Far More Advanced
  • Therapies like CAR-T cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors are now widely used in human oncology but are still in early experimental stages for dogs.
Why Canine Immunotherapy Lags Behind
  • Not enough veterinarians and scientists work in this field.
  • Limited insurance coverage for pets.
  • Limited reimbursement for veterinarians.

Key Research & Scientific Contribution

A strong foundation for canine cancer immunotherapy must be built on rigorous scientific research. Several key studies and publications have shaped the understanding of immunotherapy in veterinary oncology, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.

Notable Publications
  • Hampel JM & Fan TM – The promise of immunotherapeutic strategies to advance treatment in pet dogs
    Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2024 (262:1583)
  • Klingemann H. – Could human immuno-theraputics be considered as cancer treatment of dogs?
    Frontiers in Veterinary Medicine, currently in press
  • Leonardi AJ et al. – Veterinary oncologists and pet owners differ in their perceptions of chemotherapy-related adverse events in cancer-bearing dogs
    Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2023 (262:334)
  • Klingemann H. – Immunotherapy for dogs: running behind humans
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2018 (9:133)
  • Klingemann H. – Immunotherapy for dogs: still running behind humans
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2021 (12:665784)