Finding better, less toxic cancer treatments for dogs with a new genomic test?

CCA Team
Aug 4
2 min read

Updated: Aug 5

In human medicine, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) has transformed cancer treatment by matching patients with therapies tailored to the tumor’s specific mutations. Now, this test is available for dogs.

In this recorded webinar, Dr. Guannan Wang, co-founder of VetOmics, introduces CGP for canine cancer. She shares case studies and explains when CGP could help find treatments that are most suited to their dog's cancer. Discussion of how targeted therapy drugs may help (or counter) the effect of cancer immunotherapy treatments is also included.

Episode Highlights:

[00:06:00] Canine Comprehensive Genomic Pofiling (CGP) test – whole exome sequencing of 20,257 coding genes in the tumor to guide choices of treatment.

[00:13:00] Application of CGP to guide targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation

[00:17:30] Role of CGP in soft tissue sarcoma and chemotherapy response prediction

[00:20:00] Tumor mutation burden (TMB) as a key biomarker for autologous vaccines and PD-1 inhibitors

[00:28:00] Potential of combining targeted therapies with chemo or immunotherapy

[00:32:30] Human medicine trend: genomic-guided treatments now moving from third-line to first-line

[00:33:00] Biopsy or (fine needle)aspirate sufficient for most tumors – no need for post-surgical tissues

[00:34:00] General practice veterinarians can order the test, not limited to oncologists

[00:39:00] Oliver’s story: from failed chemo to complete remission using Trametinib and Sirolimus

[00:42:00] Lucy’s story: high-grade metastasized melanoma controlled with Palbociclib

[00:53:00] VetOmics provides complete coding exome profiling (other commercial genomic tests do not)

[01:10:00] Most commonly tested cancers: hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, lung adenocarcinoma

[01:13:00] Importance of understanding immunosuppressive effects of some targeted therapies (Don’t want targeted therapy to counter the benefits of immunotherapy)

Key Quotes:

“Canine Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) is a whole exome sequencing assay that analyzes all major mutation types across 20,257 coding genes. This is the world’s largest assay for dogs.”

“This is the first time we’ve had immunotherapy options for dogs. Combining them with targeted therapy could go a long way.”

“Oliver’s doctor put him on doxorubicin, but he had a really bad reaction… Canine CGP revealed NF1, mTOR, and high tumor mutation burden… now in complete remission—cancer free for nine months.”

(On Pet Insurance Covering CGP Cost) “Yes, many insurance companies do cover it… The issue is most pet owners don’t have insurance yet.”

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Questions? Email us at info@ccralliance, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!

Canine Cancer Alliance is a non-profit organization supporting research for canine cancer cures.

All information on the Canine Cancer Alliance website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Always seek guidance from your veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health and medical condition.