The study focuses on dogs because of the similarities between their cancers and human cancers.

Researchers test innovative treatment options 

Clinical trials to treat cancers in cats, dogs, and other companion animals are underway at Kansas State University.

Raelene Wouda, assistant professor of clinical sciences, is offering groundbreaking new treatments to pet owners at a reduced cost.

In addition to improved diagnostic testing and monitoring approaches, the trials include innovative treatment options including combination chemotherapy, t-cell transfer and nanoparticle drug formulations.


As well as improving outcomes for veterinary patients, Wouda hopes the research will provide important information for how the disease can be better diagnosed, monitored and treated in humans.


“For many pet owners, cancer is a terminal diagnosis for they beloved family member,” Wouda said. “These studies provide an opportunity to trial a cutting-edge therapy for their pets at a reasonable price.”

“Moreover, owners participating in these clinical trials take comfort and are pleased to know that they are helping to achieve better treatments and outcomes for pets that may be diagnosed with cancer in the future.”

Professor Wouda’s research, published in the journal Veterinary Comparative Oncology, has been described as a ‘crucial step’ towards a long-term cure for many cancers.

The study focuses on dogs because of the similarities between their cancers and human cancers, like melanoma, lung cancer and osteosarcoma.


Dogs also live with us and are exposed to the same environmental factors, explained Wouda. Furthermore, because dogs age faster than humans, their disease progresses faster, which is a practical advantage for evaluating the efficacy and clinical benefits of new treatments.

"We get clinical answers more quickly in dogs," Wouda said. "The benefit of a particular therapy becomes evident in dogs more rapidly compared to people, and because of this we can preserve research and development finances, but more importantly, we save valuable time and resources."

Professor Wouda will work with graduate students, oncology technicians and referral veterinary surgeons to conduct the clinical trials.

She will also collaborate with human medical researchers to discuss how the research can be best applied to the field of human oncology.

Image (C) Kansas State University