Treating Canine Lymphoma with Immunotherapy

Michelle Chen
Independent Research

Immunotherapy is a new biological cancer treatment that utilizes chemical triggers in

order to force the body to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is consisted of synthetic and natural
proteins or antibodies. New research has found immunotherapy to a be a potentially successful
cancer treatment. Through comparative oncology (a study where both human and animal
oncologists converge research), new immunotherapy treatment methods are are proving to shrink
lymphatic tumors rapidly. Lymphoma is a malevolent cancer, arises at an age and spreading
without warning. Lymphoma is especially dangerous due to its range. The lymph node system
spans the whole anatomy of the body, making lymphoma a quick killer. Although this could be
controlled with chemotherapy, it can be destroyed with immunotherapy. Clinical trials in
research facilities such as Penn University immunotherapy treatments such as monoclonal
antibodies to be successful. These antibodies, or T-Cells, are injected within the bodys blood
stream where the attack and and destroy cancer cells. Although these treatments are successful in
treating canine lymphoma, they are not as highly recognized as other mainstream treatments such
as chemotherapy. Further understanding and awareness for immunotherapy could be curing
canine and even human cancers.
The purpose of this study was to expand awareness for immunotherapy to dog owners,
veterinary clinics, and even human oncologists. In order to support its success and understand its
potential, extensive research was done on is remission rates of immunotherapy on canine
lymphoma. Conclusive data was then compared to the remission rates of chemotherapy for dogs
of a similar study. Research studies showed that immunotherapy shrunk tumors by 50% percent
and almost all dogs had a successful remission. Those who were treated with immunotherapy
methods encountered less side effects and were able to live a longer and healthier life. Although
all raw data seemed positive for the name of immunotherapy, many veterinary clinics seemed
unaware of its potential. In multiple conducted interviews, veterinarians have only used
immunotherapy to treatment less complicate bodily matters such as allergies. From the
testimonies, it was concluded that it will take years before immunotherapy becomes a household
treatment for a less notable price. Future extensive research in this field will provide oncologists
with a cure for both human and canine cancers.