Exploring biomarker profiles in canine oncology using multiplex immunoassays

Canine oncology has garnered significant attention due to the unique role of dogs as companion animals that often develop naturally occurring cancers, mirroring human disease processes. Common types of cancer in dogs include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma, with each presenting distinct clinical challenges. This predisposition to cancer highlights the importance of studying canine oncology not only for the purposes of veterinary medicine but also for advancing human cancer therapies. Dogs present an invaluable opportunity as test subjects for new therapeutic strategies, providing insights into tumor biology and treatment responses that may be applicable to human oncology. We have previously developed a multiplex immunoassay for the measurement of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in canine serum and plasma. These immune proteins play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of canine cancers, influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and the host immune response. Additional protein biomarkers, including immuno-oncology targets such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4 can potentially extend our understanding of tumor progression and the immune response in canine patients. Here we detail the development of a novel multiplex immunoassay which we then use to measure proteins in cell culture supernatant and tissue lysate, as well as serum and plasma samples from healthy and diseased dogs. Multiplex immunoassays offer a powerful platform for the simultaneous measurement of multiple canine cancer biomarkers in plasma and serum, enabling more comprehensive monitoring of disease progression and treatment efficacy. By utilizing this technology, researchers can evaluate the complex interplay of cytokines and other biomarkers, providing a deeper understanding of canine oncology and reinforcing the significance of dogs in comparative oncology research.