New Breakthrough in Canine Osteosarcoma Treatment Using ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy
A recent study by ELIAS Animal Health sheds new light on treating osteosarcoma, a severe form of bone cancer in dogs, through a revamped approach that combines chemotherapy with ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®). This groundbreaking method was presented at the 2025 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum in Louisville, Kentucky, with interim results indicating significantly improved outcomes for treated dogs.
Osteosarcoma remains one of the most aggressive cancers afflicting canines. ELIAS, a leading company in companion animal cancer therapeutics, has introduced this novel treatment that supplements traditional chemotherapy. In an interim analysis, the results from a clinical study revealed that dogs receiving one dose of carboplatin, followed by ECI®, showed remarkable advancements in survival rates. Specifically, 71% of these dogs were still alive one year later, a stark contrast to the mere 21% survival rate among control dogs treated with the standard chemotherapy protocol consisting of four doses of carboplatin alone.
Dr. Jeffrey N Bryan, a prominent oncologist and Professor at the University of Missouri, presented these findings, underscoring the efficacy of combining the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy with the immune enhancement provided by ECI®. This dual-action approach not only can potentially improve the response to treatment but also enhances the overall well-being of canine patients receiving care.
The clinical trial involved 28 dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma, with 14 receiving the novel therapy combining ECI® with the standard chemotherapy regimen. The results showcased an impressive one-year survival rate that highlights the promise of immunotherapy in veterinary medicine.
Tammie Wahaus, the CEO of ELIAS Animal Health, expressed enthusiasm about these interim findings, emphasizing their potential to reshape cancer treatment for pets. "This interim analysis provides vital clinical insights into how veterinarians treating cancer are integrating ECI® into their treatment protocols," she noted. With the final study results expected in late 2026, anticipation grows for the definitive impacts on canine cancer care.
ECI® is the only USDA-approved product specifically designed for the treatment of canine osteosarcoma. Developed as an autologous prescription product, it leverages the dog’s immune system by pairing a personalized cancer vaccine with activated T cells, targeting cancer cells more effectively. This not only represents a personalized treatment plan but also promises a better quality of life for affected dogs.
Veterinary professionals attending the ACVIM Forum can learn more about this innovative study by visiting ELIAS Animal Health at their booth. The research highlights a pivotal shift towards integrating immunotherapy into traditional treatment protocols, ushering in a new era of veterinary oncology that could extend life and improve the outcomes for dogs diagnosed with this devastating disease.
As ELIAS Animal Health progresses in its mission to pioneer cancer immunotherapies, the significance of findings from ongoing studies cannot be overstated. Increased awareness and access to such pioneering treatments could very well enhance the quality of life for canines battling cancer and strengthen the bond between pets and their owners in the fight against this incurable disease. For further information on the ECI® and ELIAS Animal Health's initiatives, check their official website.