Professor Mark Mamula (Yale University) provides an update on the EGFR/HER2 "Yale" vaccine cancer treatment for dogs. This immunotherapy targets EGFR and HER2 proteins and has demonstrated promising results in treating dogs with osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma.

Immune therapies don’t kill tumors directly; they retrain the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. When the immune response kicks in, immune cells rush into the tumor, causing temporary swelling and inflammation. This is called pseudoprogression, and in both people and dogs, it can precede lasting tumor control.

The body’s immune system runs on a circadian rhythm, meaning the timing of treatments like immunotherapy or vaccines can influence how well they work. Studies in humans and animals show that morning administration often leads to stronger immune responses and better survival outcomes, a finding now being explored for canine cancer care.