Biotech Company Calviri Initiates New Cancer Vaccine Trial for Dogs

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly aggressive form of cancer in dogs, particularly prevalent among golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, pit bulls, and boxers. Dogs with thin coats like beagles, Dalmatians, and greyhounds are also susceptible to the disease. 

HSA typically begins in the spleen and proceeds to metastasize to other areas of the body, and even early detection has historically resulted in a life expectancy of just 5 to 11 months for the affected dog. Fortunately, a new vaccine trial for dogs with early-stage HSA is now being conducted by Calviri, a biotechnology company that specializes in preventative and therapeutic cancer vaccines for both dogs and humans.

Calviri’s new study, entitled Scout Out Canine Hemangiosarcoma (SOCH), aims to determine whether the company’s investigational immunotherapy vaccine can improve the prognosis for dogs with stage 1 or stage 2 tumors. The vaccine is to be paired with standard care treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery. Calviri’s vaccine is specifically designed to activate the affected dog’s immune system such that it can identify and destroy cancer cells. The company has already vaccinated the study’s first participant, according to DVM360. 

Cancer vaccines for humans and dogs are typically used to treat advanced-stage tumors. The vaccine to be used for the SOCH trial will be the first to target smaller, early-stage tumors in the hope of improving survival rates.

The trial is funded by Calviri and a generous donation from David MacNeil in honor of his golden retriever Scout, who has featured in multiple Super Bowl commercials over the years.

Alleviating Pet Anxiety during Vet Visits

Many dogs experience significant stress and anxiety during veterinary appointments, but there are fortunately concrete steps their owners can take to help keep them calm. It’s generally a good idea, for instance, to wait for your turn in a quiet corner of the clinic and minimize interaction with other people and dogs. 

You can keep your dog leashed and close beside you, or even hold them in your lap if that’s where they feel most comfortable. If your dog is small enough to be transported by carrier, taking along a few comfort items like favorite wholesale dog toys or personalized dog blankets may also help them feel better during the visit.