Become a Petful InsiderCancer in Dogs: Latest Breakthroughs Revealed
Cancer in dogs is a terrifying diagnosis for pet parents to hear. With 1 in 4 dogs affected, Petful discovers the latest canine cancer advancements.
Cancer in dogs is one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses a pet parent can face, and it’s all too common. According to the Morris Animal Foundation, 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. The signs aren’t always obvious when a dog is dealing with cancer. I know from first-hand experience, as my Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, succumbed to an aggressive form of canine cancer called hemangiosarcoma.
The good news is that research and treatment options are improving every year.
Dr. Nicola Mason of the University of Pennsylvania says, “Veterinary researchers and clinician scientists are employing increasingly advanced analytical tools to provide us with a greater understanding of canine tumor biology and immunobiology.”
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Research on Cancer in Dogs
In addition to work being done worldwide in universities, research centers, and veterinary hospitals, the latest installment in the Shelter Me series is available for pet parents to watch.
Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers spotlights leading researchers, including Dr. Nicola Mason of the University of Pennsylvania, and follows families whose dogs are participating in clinical trials. These beloved pets are becoming heroes in the fight against cancer, contributing to treatments that extend and save human lives.
“The program highlights the value of investigating advanced novel therapies in pet dogs with spontaneous cancers for both dogs and humans alike,” according to Dr. Mason. “It elegantly demonstrates how humans and animals working together can lead to significant advances in cancer treatments for both species.”
The official trailer showcases cherished dogs battling cancer with their devoted pet parents by their side. The documentary is a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and animals and how that connection could be the key to unlocking lifesaving cancer treatments for both species.
Pet parents can view the latest installment of the Emmy-winning series on the PBS app and PBS.org, and it will also be broadcast on PBS stations.
Breakthroughs in Canine Cancer
Some of the recent breakthroughs and research, in addition to those mentioned in the film, include:
Comparative Oncology Trials
As discussed in the film, comparative oncology trials evaluate new therapies that may also be effective in humans, providing valuable data for drug development.
Genetic Similarities in Humans
Researchers have discovered that certain brain tumors, like meningiomas, carry similar genetic profiles in dogs and humans. This discovery opens the door to developing treatments that may work across species.
Innovative Therapies
Dogs are now vitally important in testing experimental cancer treatments, including vaccines and innovative drug combinations. In one promising example, researchers found that pairing losartan, a common blood pressure medication, with a canine cancer drug reduced tumors in dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
How to Screen Your Dog For Cancer
Because cancer is silent until it isn’t, and is not always apparent, regular visits with your veterinarian are essential. As your dog ages, visiting the veterinarian twice or three times a year makes it more likely to catch something in its tracks. If you find a mass or tumor early, modern medicine can treat it quickly and provide options.
In her article for Petful, “Dog Cancer: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options,” Dr. Pippa Elliott discusses screening tests and when to seek veterinary intervention.
Dr. Sue Ettinger, aka Cancer Vet, is a board-certified veterinary oncologist who advocates for the Nu.Q Vet Cancer Yest. The blood test, also called a liquid biopsy, helps to detect:
- 76% of systemic cancers
- 77% of lymphomas
- 82% of hemangiosarcomas
- 54% histiocytic sarcomas
The test is noninvasive and recommended for senior dogs, high-risk breeds (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Beagles, Rottweilers, etc.), and dogs with suspected cancer. A positive result indicates the need for further diagnostic procedures, such as imaging or biopsy.
A positive Nu.Q. test may also indicate inflammation, infection, or trauma, which is why it is extremely important to talk to your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist.
Dealing with Canine Osteosarcoma
Bone cancer in dogs is a serious condition that affects thousands of dogs every year. Dogs often start limping on one leg, have pain, may be reluctant to exercise, and have swelling or warmth in the affected limb.
According to DVM360, in March 2025, the USDA approved a breakthrough treatment called ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI), the first personalized immunotherapy for dogs with osteosarcoma, a common and aggressive bone cancer. This cutting-edge approach uses your dog’s immune system to fight the cancer by collecting and activating special T cells that target tumor cells. The treatment is now available at over 100 veterinary centers across the U.S., offering new hope for families facing this difficult diagnosis.
There is hope for cancer, even the most aggressive forms, so pet parents have hope.
Further Resources Dealing with Canine Cancer
For more information on cancer in dogs, here are helpful articles from Petful:
Feature image: Photo by Bruno Cervera/Pexels
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