Improving Management of Lymphocytic Leukemia

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a common cancer in dogs, but little is known about the disease, including its clinical progression and survival expectations for patients. Genetic risk factors play a large role in the disease as evident in some high-risk breeds, including boxers and English bulldogs. Canine B-CLL is similar to human B-CLL. In human medicine, immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable (IGHV) gene mutation status – the amount of mutations that have occurred in the genes which encode antibodies – is considered one of the best predictors of B-CLL outcome in people. Researchers will evaluate if IGHV mutation status in dogs also has prognostic value. In concurrent studies, the team will examine the gene expression profile of subsets of patients with different clinical outcomes to provide further insight into why certain dogs have more aggressive B-CLL and to identify possible drug targetable pathways to improve the treatment for this cancer.