Dogs with cancer needed for new therapy treatment at U of G
Researchers at the University of Guelph are hoping to revolutionize cancer care with an innovative treatment.
The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is using nanotechnology and laser light therapy on dogs with cancer. The team said clinical trials have been done before, but not in the same way.
"This is the first time where it’s been in a naturally occurring cancer patient," said Charly McKenna, the research manager for the Veterinary Medical Innovation Platform and OVC Clinical Trials.
Those clinical trials started in February on patients like Miya, a 10-year-old yellow lab retriever.
Her owner, Liz Pietrzak from Carlisle, Ontario, said Miya was diagnosed with thyroid cancer earlier this year and was grateful when the team told her about the trials.
"We were happy to be chosen, and why not? Why not try to give back?" Pietrzak said. "Miya is a retired St. John’s therapy dog so she’s used to giving back."
She said Miya got her tumour removed and is now doing well.
"She was a star. I have two other dogs and I don’t think they would be as good as she was," she said.
As part of the trial, patients undergo standard-of-care surgery to remove the entire tumour.
For the treatment, they combine light-activated nanoparticles, called porphysomes, along with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Porphysomes are injected into the bloodstream and are collected in the tumour, or any other spots it may have spread.
"We are better able to see where the tumour is, so really see the shape of the tumour and the margins of the tumor," said McKenna. "And we can use specialized lasers in combination with porphysomes to destroy some tumour cells in the mass."
The team called it a safer alternative to other treatments, as they only destroy part of the tumour and then takes samples to assess the results of the therapy.
"When we add in the laser therapy we can really kill those tumour cells rather than affecting normal healthy tissue," she said.
Researchers have only tested it on four canine cancer patients so far but hope to recruit more.
McKenna said they are looking for: "a dog that has a thyroid tumour that is freely moveable and are interested in pursuing surgery.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.