Improving immunotherapy for invasive bladder cancer using insights from dogs and people
Advancing immunotherapy through cross species studies of immune cell responses and immune checkpoint inhibitor effects in dogs and humans with invasive urinary bladder cancer
['FUNDING_U01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11163412
This project compares immune responses and immunotherapy effects in people and pet dogs with invasive bladder cancer to find clues that could help more patients benefit from checkpoint drugs.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163412 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies immune cells and treatment responses in people and in pet dogs that naturally develop invasive bladder cancer to identify shared and different patterns. Researchers will collect tumor samples, blood, and treatment outcomes from dogs given immune checkpoint inhibitors and compare those data to human samples and clinical results. Advanced laboratory profiling will look at which immune cells activate, how tumors change, and what predicts treatment success or immune-related side effects. The work aims to make the canine model more useful so discoveries can better guide immunotherapy for patients with invasive bladder cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include people with invasive urothelial carcinoma (advanced bladder cancer), especially those considering or receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and owners of pet dogs diagnosed with naturally occurring invasive bladder cancer who are willing to enroll their animals.
Not a fit: Patients with non-invasive bladder tumors, other cancer types, or those not treated with or eligible for immune checkpoint inhibitors are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help more patients respond to immunotherapy and reduce immune-related side effects by identifying markers and mechanisms that predict benefit.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows naturally occurring canine bladder cancer closely resembles human disease and that immune checkpoint drugs help a minority of patients, but directly comparing immune responses across dogs and humans to guide therapy is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KNAPP, DEBORAH W — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KNAPP, DEBORAH W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Advanced Cancer, Animal Cancer Model, Bladder Cancer