Evaluating a Therapeutic Agent That May Inhibit a Protein Associated with Lymphoma

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs. Although remission can often be achieved with conventional chemotherapy, relapse is common and novel approaches are needed. Survivin, a protein that promotes cell growth and inhibits cell death, is found in many human and canine cancers. A high level of survivin is associated with a worse outcome for dogs with lymphoma. Researchers will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent designed to inhibit the production of survivin in dogs with lymphoma. They will also evaluate how this agent affects lymphoma cell growth and death. If researchers can establish a biologically effective dose, it would provide a working dosage for future clinical trials that would combine this therapy with standard chemotherapy.