Cross Talk from Pets to People: Translational Osteosarcoma Treatments

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is almost identical in companion animals and in people, so research in basic cancer biology and treatment is readily translational across the species. In this article the authors (one DVM and one MD) present examples of species "cross talk" based on their parallel careers in musculoskeletal oncology surgery. Dogs in particular provide a relevant osteosarcoma model that is 10 times more prevalent than the corresponding human condition and offers a unique opportunity to answer questions related to local tumor control and metastasis. Advantages of the dog model include spontaneous development of the disease; the animal's large size, intact immune system, shared genetic aberrations, and response to traditional chemotherapies; and owners' acceptance and compliance with clinical trials for their pets. We describe several cross-species treatment strategies for osteosarcoma--chemotherapy, limb-sparing techniques, and radiation--as well as surprising impacts of infection and immunology. We conclude with some discussion of areas for further discovery and development to advance species cross talk in support of One Health.