Learning More About Canine Glioma
Gliomas arise from glial cells in the brain. Tumors derived from malignant astrocytes are classified as astrocytomas, while those arising from malignant oligodendrocytes are termed oligodendrogliomas. In the United States, gliomas occur in an estimated 7.23 per 100,000 pet dogs each year, translating to approximately 6,500 newly affected dogs annually. Dogs with glioma commonly present with seizures and progressive neurological deficits, including disorientation, behavioral changes, and vision loss. Current treatment options—surgical resection, radiation therapy, and in select cases chemotherapy—can provide temporary clinical benefit, but these tumors are highly treatment-resistant. Recurrence of clinical signs due to presumed tumor regrowth typically occurs within months to less than two years following therapy.
Despite important advances in understanding the biology of canine gliomas, substantial gaps in knowledge remain. Our laboratory focuses on defining the genetic and immunologic underpinnings of canine oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas, with the goal of understanding both their shared and distinct molecular features. We place particular emphasis on linking tumor biology to clinical behavior, disease progression, and therapeutic response in affected dogs.
Our work is grounded in a comparative oncology framework, leveraging the striking similarities between naturally occurring gliomas in dogs and those in humans.
By integrating molecular, immunologic, and clinical data across species, we aim to identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies that can benefit glioma patients—both two- and four-legged.
Collaborators in this Space:
Dr. Peter Dickinson BVSc, PhD
University of California Davis
Dr. Adrien Dupanloup, DVM
University of California Davis
Dr. Michael Kent, DVM, MS
University of California Davis
Dr. Ji-Hey Lim, DVM, PhD
University of California Davis
Dr. John McPherson, PhD
University of California Davis
Dr. Andrew Miller, PhD
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. John Rossmeisl, DVM, MSD
Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Support:
Canine Cancer Atlas
CCAH, CRCC