Veterinary researchers at the University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Veterinary Medicine are making strides in developing an innovative genetic therapy for dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Their experimental approach combines a specialized blood test that identifies cancerous cells with a targeted treatment called eBAT (epidermal growth factor bispecific ligand-targeted angiotoxin).
According to UMN experts, more than half of affected dogs succumb within four to six months, and nearly 90% do not survive past a year. While surgery and chemotherapy can extend survival, there is currently no cure.
The eBAT therapy, initially developed by UMN medical oncologist Dr. Daniel Vallera and further refined by Dr. Jaime Modiano of the university’s Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, works by targeting two specific receptors found on hemangiosarcoma cells. Healthy cells rarely express both receptors, making eBAT highly selective for cancerous tissue. Once inside the tumor, the treatment disrupts protein synthesis and cuts off the blood supply fueling its growth.
A 2017 pilot study involving 23 dogs showed promising results. After undergoing spleen removal surgery, the dogs received three eBAT infusions followed by chemotherapy. Survival rates at six months improved to around 70%, with five dogs living beyond 450 days. Dr. Modiano hailed these findings as the most significant progress in hemangiosarcoma treatment in decades.
However, a 2020 follow-up study with higher doses and adjusted timing yielded mixed outcomes. While 25 dogs received three full cycles of eBAT closer to their chemotherapy sessions, the treatment’s effectiveness decreased, and some dogs experienced severe side effects, including low blood pressure.
“Our results indicate that repeated dosing cycles of eBAT starting 1 week prior to doxorubicin chemotherapy led to greater toxicity and reduced efficacy compared with a single cycle given between surgery and a delayed start of chemotherapy,” the investigators concluded.
Dr. Modiano’s team is now investigating whether their blood test could help identify dogs at risk for hemangiosarcoma before symptoms appear. If successful, this could allow veterinarians to use eBAT or other treatments earlier, potentially preventing the cancer from developing or catching it at its most treatable stage.
