Canine osteosarcoma: where human and canine research intersect

Abstract

Efforts in the development of novel treatment strategies for osteosarcoma have thus far failed to move the needle in oncologic outcomes, especially for patients with metastatic disease. It is imperative that we continue to look for new models of disease for the development of novel therapeutics. Our canine companions may provide one of the best disease models for osteosarcoma. Previous literature has demonstrated significant overlap in both molecular similarity and in clinical disease course between human and canine osteosarcoma. We thus look to canine osteosarcoma as a naturally occurring model of this shared disease in an effort to develop novel treatment strategies. Current and future studies will likely continue to explore immunotherapeutic approaches and the role of the tumor microenvironment in tumorigenesis and metastagenesis. Through comparative studies, new targets, new strategies, and novel therapeutics can be developed in collaborative fashion with hope of improving outcomes for both human and canine patients.