Researchers develop test to detect cancer in dogs early

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) - Veterinary experts say cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, but thanks to new research done by the Virginia Tech Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, veterinarians could start screening for cancer in dogs early and tackle the problem in advance.

Dr. Nick Dervisis, a veterinarian and medical oncologist, has helped lead the research, along with researchers at Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

The team uses a urine sample, which allows them to identify a healthy or cancerous “fingerprint” in dogs.

“The goal of this is to move the vigilance of animal cancer from the doctor’s office to the families that own the animals,” Dervisis said. “It can help us detect cancer earlier, and the earlier you detect cancer, theoretically, you have more chance of providing appropriate care.”

This is one of the first studies using a non-invasive and rapid test. Dervisis said results so far are over 90% accurate.

The tests aren’t meant to diagnose cancer but rather act as a way to provide accurate care to a dog in the presence of cancer.

“Finding cancer early can allow you to treat it early, and for some cancers, can be curative,” Dervisis said. “Or [it] can prolong significantly survival, even for cancers that there is no treatment. Finding the cancer early might give you opportunities to prevent animals’ quality of life.”

Dr. Margie Lee, the director at the Virginia Tech Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, added the research could even have an impact on human cancer studies.

“Cancer never stops . . . we really value not just the pet part, but also the human part because it’s all tied together in one health,” Lee said.

She also said she looks forward to the impact research will have on the community.

“It’s pretty good,” Lee said. “I mean, you’re bringing hope.”

Dervisis expects it could take anywhere from 5-10 years to finish the research. When complete, the tests will have lasting impacts on cancer research.