A Breakdown of Where Science Stands in Fighting The Elusive Disease
With 100% of mortality reaching within two years of Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis and a prognosis that didn't budge in nearly 30 years, newer advances in technology are now enabling researchers to explore the disease in ways previously impossible and shining a beacon of light for the near future for diagnosis and treatment.
Hemangiosarcoma was believed to arise from vascular endothelial cells for decades, explaining the tumor's preference for areas with a rich blood supply. However, this belief was challenged just over ten years ago, and many veterinary oncologists now believe it arises from endothelial cell precursors in the bone marrow before spreading to other areas of the body.
Also, they've studied how hemangiosarcoma is not one tumor but includes different subtypes: Angiogenic (vascular), Inflammatory (immune component), and Adipogenic (lipid characteristics). It's still unclear whether the subtype influences prognosis or treatment, but more work is planned in this area.
Another long-held belief is that hemangiosarcoma predilects large breed dogs. Recent studies show this matter is being explored most as a reflection -and consequence - of breed popularity and, as well, by looking at the genetics underlying hemangiosarcoma. This area is still in active research to find a genetic marker for identifying dogs at higher risk and contemplate precautionary measures.
Nowadays, the diagnosis only comes after an emergency, highlighting the necessity of development in early detection. Advances in techniques, such as liquid biopsy, are being produced to detect unique substances in the blood that differ from products made by non-cancerous cells. These tests could provide a means to monitor a patient's response to treatment, detect relapses, and guide fitting therapies. A growing number of companies are offering tests based on this principle.
Dogs with hemangiosarcoma have limited treatments besides surgery, and based on the IVC Journal, recent developments are beginning to make their way into clinical practice. Anti-hypertensive medication, particularly beta-blockers like propranolol, is being explored as a potential adjunct therapy for cancer in dogs. Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat hypertension, combined with doxorubicin for hemangiosarcoma, is also getting a closer look.
One of the most ambitious studies entering its final phase is The Shine On at the University of Minnesota, which focuses on early diagnosis and treatment. They've developed a new blood test to diagnose hemangiosarcoma and detect treatment failure or disease recurrence in dogs undergoing treatment with fantastic results. Now in phase three, the team is proving the test to identify dogs at high risk of hemangiosarcoma and using eBAT - shown to be safe and improve survival in diagnosed dogs - as a preventive measure.
A new cancer immunotherapy developed at Yale University is also in clinical trials. The EGFR/HER2 vaccine study is enrolling patients at participating clinics. The Morris Animal Foundation launched its Hemangiosarcoma Initiative in 2022 to address knowledge gaps around the disease. Six projects are advancing for additional review and final approval, all slated to begin in late 2023 or early 2024.
As of July 2023, 331 dogs have been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in the US, accounting for roughly 61% of the cancers of primary interest. Finding a way to spot this cancer early and having a quicker intervention with accurate treatments means improving the odds for dogs with hemangiosarcoma.
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