Updated April 3, 2025 – In 2023, the Foundation launched the Hemangiosarcoma Initiative to dedicate funding, people and resources to advance the prevention, detection and treatment of, and potentially cures for, this devastating cancer. The initiative is a multiyear, multimillion-dollar endeavor to dramatically change the story of hemangiosarcoma from one with an ending of almost certain death to one with a new beginning.
Hemangiosarcoma has been on the Foundation’s radar for many years. This terrible cancer affects thousands of dogs each year and is an emotional and financial hardship for affected families. Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of special interest in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, and it was some unexpected findings that propelled the Foundation to launch the Hemangiosarcoma Initiative.
Our study team knew that golden retrievers had a high incidence of cancer, including hemangiosarcoma, but the team noted an unexpectedly large number of cases in our cohort. At the same time, our development officers were hearing heart-breaking stories of hemangiosarcoma from our donors. The time was right for the Foundation to move the needle on finding new treatments, develop early diagnostic tests, and learn more about how this cancer arises and spreads.
Once our teams jumped into action to launch the Initative, we thought about areas of research that could make the biggest impact on dogs with hemangiosarcoma, their families, and their veterinary care teams. We heard from researchers on areas that needed more scrutiny. Pet parents told us about their experiences. Veterinarians described the obstacles they faced when it came to diagnosing and treating hemangiosarcoma.
Using this information, our team felt the following areas of study were most likely to address the pressing questions surrounding hemangiosarcoma:
- Early disease diagnosis
- New therapeutic approaches, either alone or paired with diagnostics to monitor treatment efficacy
- Genetics
A call for proposals was sent to researchers around the world. A panel consisting of geneticists, oncologists, surgeons, pathologists and cancer researchers convened to review and debate the merits of each proposal. After two days of deliberation, eight studies were selected for funding.
The eight studies in the first phase of the Hemangiosarcoma Initiative are:
- Dr. Erin Dickerson, University of Minnesota – Investigate whether different hemangiosarcoma subtypes influence how affected dogs respond to treatment.
- Dr. Andrea Pires dos Santos, Purdue University – Examine the feasibility of using molecules called microRNAs as an early detection tool for hemangiosarcoma.
- Dr. Jong Hyuk Kim, University of Florida – Investigate the role of a genetic mutation found in about 1/3 of dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in an effort to find new therapies for affected dogs.
- Dr. Frances Chen, University of Massachusetts – Develop statistical breeding models to help reduce hemangiosarcoma incidence in dog breeds.
- Dr. Jiho Kim, Protein Advances Incorporated Life Sciences – Explore whether a protein found in some human cancers is also present in hemangiosarcoma tumors and is a feasible therapy target.
- Dr. Alexandre Le Roux, Schwarzman Animal Medical Center – Use a technique called single-cell RNA sequencing to identify surface markers specific to canine hemangiosarcoma cells as a first step toward the development of an effective and precise radiation therapy.
- Dr. Shaying Zhao, University of Georgia – Look for mutations in hemangiosarcoma cells as a key part of finding new therapy targets.
- Dr. Clarissa Zamboni, University of Milan – Test whether small particles known as extracellular vesicles could be used to deliver chemotherapy directly to hemangiosarcoma cells.
The current projects are in progress and the first results are starting to be realized. Notable achievements so far include:
- Samples from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study have been sent to researchers as needed
- Genetic sequencing underway and almost complete in studies focused on mutations
- Screening of hemangiosarcoma samples begun
The projects are slated to be completed in early 2026.
What’s Next?
On June 17 and 18, 2025, we’re gathering a prestigious group of veterinary scientists to review the latest group of hemangiosarcoma-focused proposals as part of the Hemangiosarcoma Initiative. Our goal is to continue the momentum toward new diagnostic tests, better therapies and greater understanding of this cancer. We’ve asked the best and brightest minds from all over the world to submit innovative proposals, and we’re excited to start the next phase of studies.
Join Us in June!
If you’re interested in joining this meeting virtually and listening in on deliberations, contact our team at [email protected].
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