New Hope for Golden Retrievers: Canine Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise

Golden Retrievers, known for their loyalty and zest for life, are unfortunately susceptible to various cancers. But there's exciting news on the horizon! Researchers are developing new canine cancer vaccines, offering a potential weapon in the fight against this devastating disease.

This article explores these advancements, featuring interviews with two Golden Retriever owners whose dogs are participating in a clinical trial at Bridge Animal Referral Center (BARC) for the same vaccine. The concept of canine cancer vaccines is relatively new. While some commercially available vaccines target specific canine viruses, cancer vaccines are still under development. The first breakthrough came in 2010 with the approval of the Oncept® Canine Melanoma Vaccine. This vaccine, however, is classified as an autologous vaccine, meaning it's created from a dog's own tumor and can only be used to treat that specific dog.

The current focus in canine cancer vaccines lies in therapeutic vaccines. These vaccines

target broader aspects of cancer, like specific proteins found on many cancer cells. This approach has the potential to be more widely applicable across different cancers. There are two main types of therapeutic cancer vaccines being explored. Dendritic Cell Vaccines: These vaccines involve extracting a dog's own dendritic cells, a type of immune system cell that helps the body recognize and attack foreign invaders. In a lab, scientists expose these cells to tumor antigens (substances specific to cancer cells) and then reintroduce them into the dog. The "educated" dendritic cells then activate the immune system to target cancer cells. Vector-based Vaccines: These vaccines use modified viruses to deliver cancer antigens directly into a dog's cells. Once inside, the cells produce the antigens, triggering an immune response against the cancer. The

Yale and BARC vaccines mentioned in the interviews are likely examples of vector-based

vaccines.

Flyer's Fight: Staying Active with Hope

Holly Krohn's Golden Retriever, Flyer, is an inspiring example of resilience. At eight years old, Flyer faced a tough diagnosis - splenic hemangiosarcoma. After a successful splenectomy and a course of Doxorubicin chemotherapy, Holly wasn't ready to give up.

"When Flyer’s diagnosis came back and before his first oncology appointment, I read everything I could find and I think that is how I knew about the vaccine," Holly says. "In September we were at the GRCA National. Flyer ran the HT (Herding Test) on the weekend passing Master. Monday he was bathed and groomed in prep for the FT classes on Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesday morning Flyer collapsed at the Airbnb I was staying at with friends... My hope is that chemo and the vaccine give us more time with Flyer.”

Her research led her to the EGFR/HER2 Canine Cancer Vaccine trial at BARC. This therapeutic vaccine targets specific proteins on cancer cells, training Flyer's immune system to recognize and attack them. The cost of the vaccine has been graciously covered by Canine Cancer Alliance, so Holly is only responsible for the facility fee at BARC for a veterinary visit for each injection. "The vaccine has very few side effects," says Holly, "and if we could get more time with Flyer, it was worth the risk." Flyer received his first injection with no side effects and received second shot March 13^th. He continues to be remarkably active. "Flyer has been hunting and just competed in a 3-day Obedience trial. He continues to train in field. The Master Amateur Retriever Club annual event is in this area this May. Flyer is qualified for it and will compete if his is still doing well. The out poring of continuing support and prayers from the Golden community has been amazing and greatly appreciated.

Farley's Second Chance: A Golden Friend Points the Way

Christine Robertson's Irish Water Spaniel, Farley, also faced a difficult battle. At 9 ½ years old, Farley developed osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. "Farley started limping without activity," Christine remembers. "X-rays showed probable osteosarcoma just above his left hock. My options were to treat with pain meds (and risk a pathologic fracture) with a possible 4–5-month survival time to or amputate the leg. The second option combined with chemotherapy might lead to a year of survival with good pain control. I opted for the surgery."

Farley recovered well, but in February 2024, Christine received news that changed everything. “In early February 2024, a Golden friend told me about a vaccine study that another friend with a Golden (that had hemangiosarcoma) had started. This was the Yale vaccine which is now in its second phase of testing. I immediately called the local clinic which was giving the vaccine (one of only about a dozen clinics scattered across the US) and enrolled Farley." 

The Yale vaccine, like Flyer's, is a therapeutic vaccine targeting specific cancer antigens. Farley enrolled in the trial and received his first dose in February.

Farley

The Road Ahead

Further research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of these vaccines. However, the initial results from trials like the ones Flyer and Farley are participating in offer a glimmer of hope for canine cancer patients and their families. If you'd like to learn more about canine cancer vaccines and ongoing clinical trials, talk to your veterinarian. They can guide you based on your dog's specific needs.

Together, with continued research and dedicated pet owners like Holly and Christine, we can move closer to a future where cancer is no longer a death sentence for our beloved Golden Retrievers.