The Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation announced the launch of the first randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled cancer prevention trial in pet dogs.
The study will enroll 700 Rottweiler dogs nationwide to test the hypothesis that daily supplementation with dietary antioxidants can substantially reduce the incidence of bone cancer.
Healthy, cancer-free Rottweilers 5 to 6 years of age will be randomized into two treatment groups (supplements versus no supplements) and then followed for up to eight years. The primary endpoint of the study is bone cancer incidence. Secondary endpoints include overall cancer incidence and longevity. The study is designed so that investigators can detect if their intervention significantly reduces the risk of bone cancer. Further, it will test whether antioxidants can increase the number of Rottweilers reaching exceptional longevity, i.e. 13 years old.
The nationwide study is being led by the Murphy Foundation, working together with a skilled network of practicing veterinarians, and is funded by P&G (NYSE: PG) Pet Care, the makers of Iams and Eukanuba.
Previous work with Rottweilers conducted by Murphy Foundation scientists confirmed this breed’s strong predisposition to bone cancer. “Rottweiler owners stand strongly committed to helping us figure out just how to reduce the number of dogs that succumb to cancer,” said lead investigator David J. Waters, DVM, PhD, Executive Director of the Murphy Foundation. “This trial takes an important first step toward that goal. Our end goal is to help not only dogs, but their human owners as well, by preventing this devastating disease.”
“The intervention we’re testing is a potent antioxidant combination that significantly reduces the sensitivity of cells to oxidative stress,” said Michael Hayek, PhD, associate director of research and development, P&G Pet Care. “In a pilot study, we teamed up with Murphy Foundation scientists to show that daily treatment with these supplements rendered the blood cells of dogs more resistant to oxidative stress challenge in the laboratory.”
“This landmark study will test whether a change in diet that heightens your defenses against oxidative stress translates into reduced cancer risk or increased longevity. That’s very exciting,” said Waters. Enrollment of dogs into the trial is expected to be completed during the next 30 months.