Bone cancer in dogs (canine osteosarcoma) results in aggressive development of tumours on the canine skeleton, particularly below the knee or elbow. The rapid spread (metastasis) of the cancer means that even amputation of the affected limb may not be enough to prevent further development of the cancer. With the right treatment and care, around 25% of affected dogs will go on to live for another 2 years.
Researchers in the US are currently looking in to a new therapy for bone cancer in dogs, based upon a relatively new branch of science known as oncolytics.
The new bone cancer therapy uses a modified, ‘harmless’ virus to target only cancerous cells. The virus replicates within cancerous cells, destroying them and spreading around the body to other cancer cells. The modified virus has been engineered to leave normal, healthy cells untouched. Read more →
