Using immunotherapy to treat melanoma in dogs
Intratumoral Cytokine Immunotherapy Studies in Companion Canine Cancer Models
This study is exploring a new way to help treat melanoma in dogs by using a combination of radiation therapy and special proteins that boost the immune system, hoping to make the treatment more effective for your furry friend.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056902 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating melanoma in pet dogs by combining radiotherapy with intratumoral administration of cytokines, specifically IL-2 and IL-12. The study aims to enhance the retention of these cytokines at the tumor site using collagen-binding technology, which has shown promise in earlier animal models. By optimizing the delivery method and timing of these treatments, the researchers hope to stimulate a robust immune response against the cancer. The research is conducted at the University of Illinois veterinary clinic, where pet dogs with spontaneous melanoma will be treated and monitored.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pet dogs diagnosed with melanoma that are receiving care at the participating veterinary clinic.
Not a fit: Dogs with other types of cancer or those not diagnosed with melanoma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma in dogs, potentially improving their survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using similar immunotherapy approaches in animal models, suggesting potential for effective outcomes in this research.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wittrup, Karl Dane — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Wittrup, Karl Dane
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.