Oncology
The Oncology Service at the Queen Mother Hospital offers a comprehensive canine and feline referral service to veterinary surgeons in general practice.
Current Studies
Investigating the pathogenic role of regulatory T cells in canine B cell lymphoma
Background
Cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma) is a significant cause of illness and death in dogs. In general, solid tumours are able to ‘hijack’ the immune system to prevent or weaken anti-cancer immune responses, but the situation is far from clear in the case of lymphoma. The aim of this study is to characterise the pathogenic role of a specialised subset of immune cells – regulatory T cells (Tregs) – that are key to a healthy immune system. While Tregs have been shown to have a negative influence in solid tumours of rodents and humans, little is known about their impact or involvement in canine lymphoma. A better understanding of the role Tregs play in lymphoma will aid the design and ultimate delivery of novel immunotherapies for this disease in the future.
Criteria for Inclusion
- Dogs of ≥ 8 kg with multicentric lymphoma
- Diagnosis confirmed on the basis of cytological and/or histopathological findings
Study
This project will investigate the role of the immune system in canine multicentric B cell lymphoma, making comparisons to dogs with other diseases that cause the enlargement of lymph nodes. As part of the routine diagnostic investigation, blood samples, fine needle aspirate samples and, or tissue samples (biopsies) of enlarged lymph nodes will be obtained. Once initial diagnostic tests confirm the presence of multicentric B cell lymphoma, the dog will be enrolled into the study. After a confirmed diagnosis, follow-up visits will be required for the administration of further treatment and during these follow-up visits, repeated blood samples and – when indicated – fine needle aspirate or tissue samples will be obtained for clinical monitoring purposes.
Benefits for the Patient
We will perform comprehensive diagnostic immunophenotyping of fine needle aspirates from affected lymph nodes by flow cytometry free of charge. This will provide very useful information regarding prognosis for our patients and will allow our oncologists to suggest the best possible treatment for the specific type of lymphoma (B or T cell).
If you are interested in further information on this study or wish to enrol an animal into this study, please contact:
The Clinical Investigation Centre
Royal Veterinary College
Tel: 01707 666605
E-mail: cic@rvc.ac.uk
Interested veterinary surgeons may directly contact the clinicians involved in the study (Dr Garden, Dr Lara or Dr Stell) at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals: tel 01707 666366 or email QMHreception@rvc.ac.uk
Investigators
Dammy Y Pinheiro PhD
Oliver A Garden BSc BVetMed PhD MSB FHEA DACVIM DECVIM MRCVS
Ana Lara DVM MSc PhD PgCert Med Ed Dip DACVIM DECVIM-CA (Oncology) MRCVS
Anneliese Stell BVM&S PhD DSAM MRCVS