New cancer therapy for dogs shows promise
The treatment’s success could have important implications for human cancer research.
Two dogs with metastatic, multicentric diffuse large B cell lymphoma have gone into remission after receiving human CAR-T cell therapy. The study, led by LEAH Labs and Jeffery Bryan, DVM, MS, PhD, a professor of veterinary oncology at the University of Missouri, used T cells isolated using the Human T Cell Leukopak Isolation Kit by Akadeum Life Sciences, a biotechnology company specializing in microbubble-based cell separation technology.
"LEAH Labs' successful application of human-focused technology in a veterinary setting underscores the versatility and impact of our platform to further cell therapy research," Brandon McNaughton, PhD, CEO of Akadeum, said in a company news release.1 "We are pleased to support their important work in advancing novel cancer therapies for companion animals."
In an announcement on the news, Akadeum said the treatment’s success could have important implications for cancer research, as it shows LEAH Labs can engineer and track human CAR-T cells in vivo.
For the treatment, Lou, a 10-year-old Beagle, and Sadie, an 8-year-old Collie/Pyrenees mix received infusion with CAR-T cells isolated with Akadem’s kit. During the 3-week study, the dogs’ tumors shrank dramatically across multiple sites.1 According to Akadeum, x-rays and ultrasound scans showed complete resolution of internal disease.
Related: New cancer study aims to help both animals and humans2
Positron emission tomography imaging further showed that the gene-edited CAR-T cells could be visualized in injected lymph nodes. According to Akadeum, the research team will publish the complete findings in an upcoming study.
Akadeum uses a buoyancy-based method to separate cells, which avoids the traditional magnetic methods. The gentler process helps better preserve cell health and function, making it more useful for complex therapies like CAR-T and other T cell–based treatments.
"Akadeum's innovative isolation technology unlocks unparalleled reproducibility in T cell engineering, enabling us to build a robust platform with which to investigate novel cellular therapies at leading veterinary institutions," said Wes Wierson, PhD, CEO of LEAH Labs.1
Akadeum says the results could translate into CAR-T therapies in people. “Akadeum's microbubble-based kits are known for isolating more viable, healthier T cells, enabling the work done by LEAH Labs. By tracking the performance of engineered T cells in dogs, LEAH Labs and its collaborators are building a foundation for innovations that may ultimately enhance the development of effective and durable T cell therapies for people battling cancer,” wrote Akadeum.1
References
- Akadeum Life Sciences Human T Cell Leukopak Isolation Kit successfully utilized by LEAH Labs and the University of Missouri to treat canine cancer. News release. Akadeum Life Sciences Inc. September 18, 2025. Accessed September 18, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akadeum-life-sciences-human-t-cell-leukopak-isolation-kit-successfully-utilized-by-leah-labs-and-the-university-of-missouri-to-treat-canine-cancer-302560144.html
- Coppock Crossley K. New cancer study aims to help both animals and humans. dvm360. September 17, 2025. Accessed September 18, 2025.
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