Predictive modeling for cancer drug discovery using canine models

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Rodent models of cancer lack many features associated with the disease in humans. Because dogs closely share an environment with humans, as well as comparable pathophysiology of cancer, they represent a powerful model with which to study novel approaches to cancer treatment.

Areas covered

The authors summarize the weaknesses of rodent models of cancer and the ongoing need for better animal models with which to study potential therapeutic approaches. The homology of cancer in dogs and humans is described, along with examples specific to several common cancer types.

Expert opinion

Laboratory mice and rats will continue to play a central role in cancer research; however, because of a variety of limitations, pet dogs with spontaneous cancer offer unique opportunities for research and should be included in the preclinical development of therapeutic compounds. Environmental homology between dogs and humans, along with biological and molecular similarities present circumstances that strengthen the translational rigor of studies conducted using canine patients. Progress will depend on a sufficient number of dogs to be diagnosed with cancer and available for use in studies; and essential to this will be the availability of enhanced resources for diagnosis of cancer in canine patients and reliable coordination between research scientists, veterinarians, and physicians.

KEYWORDS:

• Cancer
• animal model
• dog
• canine
• rodent
• translational
• environment

Article Highlights

• Rodent models of cancer have shortcomings that limit their translational value, in contrast to dogs.

• Pet dogs share an environment with humans and develop many spontaneous cancers with great biological and molecular similarity to their human counterparts.

• Use of dogs in preclinical toxicology evaluation of compounds allows use of known maximum tolerated dose for many compounds.

• Standardized methods for characterizing adverse events and tumor response are established for canine patients.

• Common canine cancers analogous to human cancers include osteosarcoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, and urothelial carcinoma.

This box summarizes the key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

MD Lucroy is an employee of Torigen Pharmaceuticals Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript is funded by Torigen Pharmaceuticals Inc.