Human and Canine Lymphomas Share Molecular Similarities

Canine lymphoma, as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, is a common cancer in dogs. It is a cancer of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and lymphoid tissues which are normally present in many places in the body, including lymph nodes, spleen, liver, digestive tract and bone marrow.

The most common form of lymphoma in dogs involves one or more of the external lymph nodes. Many dogs may not feel sick or may have only very mild signs such as tiredness or decreased appetite. Other dogs may have more severe signs such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst or urination, weakness, or difficulty breathing. The severity of the signs depends upon the extent of the disease and on whether the cancer has caused changes in organ function. Many times, the only noticeable sign is an enlargement of the lymph nodes under the neck, behind the knees or in front of the shoulders. Other organs, such as the liver, spleen and bone marrow can be involved as well.

Thousands of dogs, like my friend Tank, are diagnosed each year with lymphoma, so I continue to search for information about research that leads us to more efficient treatments, and possibly closer to a cure. My most recent search led me to a press release which shared some exciting news. A team of scientists from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Duke University have conducted one of the first studies to directly compare canine and human B-cell lymphoma by examining molecular similarities and differences between the two species. The study was published June 19, 2013 online in the journal Cancer Research.

Kristy Richards, MD, PhD, corresponding author, said, “Pet dogs get cancer the same way humans do: at similar rate, and for unknown reasons. Like humans, dogs’ tumors are spontaneously occurring, rather than genetically created as they are in mice, so canine tumors may more accurately mimic the situation in human cancer patients. Dogs are good models to study, because it will also be possible to study shared risk factors, in the environment, for example, that might predispose both humans and dogs to get lymphoma. Our knowledge helps dogs and humans with lymphoma. Veterinarians treating dogs for lymphoma can offer clinical trials to their owners. Clinical trials in dogs are similar to those done in humans, with safety protections in place to minimize harm. What we have learned in our study could facilitate faster, more efficient new drug development, allowing new therapies to get to cancer patients faster and with a higher likelihood of success.”

Molecular analyses of canine and human tumors were completed at NCSU and at UNC Lineberger. The team used gene expression profiling and found that canine B-cell lymphoma expression profiles were similar in many ways to human B-cell lymphoma, thus paving the way for future studies, including therapeutic clinical trials in dogs and humans.

Clinical trials help doctors in the medical and veterinary fields investigate methods to improve detection and treatment of cancer, as well as improve the quality of care each patient receives. I want to once again say that each year thousands of dogs are diagnosed with cancer, and it is estimated that over 300,000 dogs die from lymphoma alone. Continued advancement in veterinary medicine is prolonging the lives of our best friends, and helps us get closer each day to finding a cure for cancer.

My last post about lymphoma included three of my friends who left us way too soon, but their spirit and love lives on. With love and honor for my friends Zander, Elle Mae, Fenway and most recently Ruby Roo♥. We must never, ever, ever give up!

♥FTLoCA♥

Be sure to follow my friend Tank on his Facebook page! Tank Staffy Bull