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What causes hemangiosarcoma? - Environmental Exposures and Canine Cancer Risk
- CCA Team
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is one of the most aggressive and heartbreaking cancers in dogs, often appearing without warning and spreading rapidly.
While new immunotherapy treatments, such as the EGFR/HER2 vaccine, are helping extend survival times, an important question remains: Why are so many dogs developing Hemangiosarcoma?
In this webinar, Dr. Catherine Wise, a research scientist at Duke University, will discuss emerging evidence linking chemical exposure to increased cancer risk in dogs.
Episode Highlights:
Silicone samplers for exposure tracking
Silicone tags worn on dog collars can detect ambient chemical exposures, validated by correlation with urinary biomarkers.
Bladder cancer case-control study with BRAF mutation
In their study of 101 dogs, four chemicals, including flame retardants and a plasticizer, were significantly elevated in dogs with the BRAF mutation associated with bladder cancer..
New hemangiosarcoma study in golden retrievers
A Canine Cancer Alliance–sponsored study, led by Duke University researchers - Prof Stapleton and Dr Wise - is comparing serum samples from 100 dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma to 200 matched controls - all golden retrievers.
Persistent organic pollutants are a major focus
Researchers are analyzing serum samples for PBDEs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides as potential contributors to hemangiosarcoma.
Practical prevention recommendations
Dr. Wise advises minimizing pesticide use, selecting PFAS-free products, regular dusting, and using safer cleaning supplies.
Complex interplay of environment and genetics
“Genetics loads the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger” summarizes the nuanced relationship between predisposition and exposures in cancer risk.
Chemical burden is a cancer risk factor
Dogs with the BRAF mutation (common in bladder cancer) had not only more chemical exposures but also higher concentrations of those chemicals compared to healthy matched controls.
Pesticides, plastic additives, and flame retardant exposure are common
Multiple cancer-linked chemicals found in pet environments include permethrin (pesticide), TDCPP (flame retardant), and DEHP (plasticizer), all detected at higher levels in cancer-affected dogs.
Environmental chemicals as immune disruptors
Dr. Wise explains how these chemicals may fuel cancer by weakening immune surveillance, triggering chronic inflammation, or interfering with cellular repair mechanisms.
Key Quotes:
“Genetics is only a small part of the picture. A lot of the factors that are associated with chronic diseases are actually environmental factors.”
“In reality, we are exposed to thousands of chemicals each day. We are exposed to so many chemicals, and it’s this cocktail of chemicals in our environment… It’s not necessarily one bad actor.”
“We know that these kinds of environmental chemicals can contribute to cancer risk by interacting with the immune system, by causing inflammation, or by disrupting hormones.”
Check out other articles and videos
If you have questions, feel free to email us at info@ccralliance. We’ll respond as soon as we can!
Canine Cancer Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting research for canine cancer cures.
All information on the Canine Cancer Alliance website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice.
Always consult your veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health and medical condition.
It also clarifies that the information provided on their website is intended purely for educational purposes and should not be considered Melon playground game a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Pet owners who have concerns about their dog’s health or medical condition are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified veterinarian.