Exploring the Use of a Cell Surface Marker as a Target for Precision Therapy of Hemangiosarcoma

SUMMARY: Researchers will build on earlier research to assess whether the cell surface marker integrin α6β4 can be used as a treatment target.

THE PROBLEM: Hemangiosarcoma is a deadly cancer affecting thousands of dogs each year. It originates from blood vessels and often grows as a mass in the spleen. Once diagnosed, dogs with this cancer usually only live 4-6 months, even with surgery and chemotherapy. Golden retrievers, German shepherds, and several other breeds are more at risk of developing this cancer. New treatments are desperately needed to improve the odds for dogs with this cancer.

THE PROJECT: Building on a prior Morris Animal Foundation Seed Award, the team found a possible marker to treat this cancer. Cancer cells have certain proteins on their surface called integrins. One specific pair, known as integrin α6β4, is present in greater number on cancer cells compared to healthy cells and might be a good target to attack the cancer while sparing normal cells.

This project has two main goals. First, the team will study samples from 50 dogs with hemangiosarcoma. They want to see how the presence of the integrin α6β4 relates to survival, what genetic changes happen in the cancer when this integrin is present, and how it possibly helps cancer cells grow and spread. Second, the team will develop canine antibodies that can target the integrin α6β4. They will create two kinds of treatments with these antibodies: one with radioactive particles and one with chemotherapy drugs. Both will aim to kill cancer cells and should cause less harm to healthy tissues than current treatments. 

POTENTIAL IMPACT: This work could lead to new clinical trials and better treatment options for dogs with hemangiosarcoma.