Identifying Dogs at Higher Risk for Developing Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma and a major cause of death in dogs. Research has improved our knowledge about DLBCL, but the prognosis for dogs diagnosed with DLBCL hasn’t improved much in the past 40 years. To help improve outcomes for dogs diagnosed with DLBCL, investigators are testing a new approach they coined “test and intervene.” The team will use artificial intelligence to analyze tiny pieces of DNA in the blood to help identify dogs at a higher risk of developing DLBCL. The team will then provide pet owners and veterinarians with intervention strategies to help lower the risk in identified dogs. Findings will be validated and confirmed in a large group of dogs as well as by using samples from Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. This will help the team confirm DNA patterns seen in the blood before cancer develops. Findings from this study will also help inform the development of a much-needed lymphoma risk assessment test to lessen the impact of lymphoma on companion dogs and hopefully improve outcomes for these patients.