Successful Grants for 2026
Congratulations to the following research teams who have received funding from the Australian Canine Research Foundation for 2026. In no particular order:
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A New Immunotherapy Approach for Bone Cancer in Dogs
Generating early phenotype CAR-T therapy for treatment of osteosarcoma in dogs
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that most often affects medium to large-breed dogs. It causes severe pain and lameness, and even with amputation and chemotherapy, most dogs survive less than one year. There are currently no effective treatments once the cancer spreads.
This project is exploring a new form of immunotherapy that uses a dog’s own immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are developing specially modified immune cells designed to recognise osteosarcoma and survive longer in the body, improving their ability to control tumour growth.
If successful, this research could lead to future clinical trials in pet dogs and provide a new treatment option for dogs after surgery or when the disease has spread, offering hope for improved survival and quality of life.
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A Personalised Cancer Vaccine for Dogs with Splenic Haemangiosarcoma
Autologous vaccine in combination with chemotherapy for canine splenic haemangiosarcoma
Splenic haemangiosarcoma is one of the most aggressive cancers seen in dogs. Even with surgery to remove the spleen and follow-up chemotherapy, fewer than 10% of dogs live longer than one year, highlighting the urgent need for better treatments.
This project is investigating a personalised cancer vaccine made from a dog’s own tumour tissue. The vaccine is designed to stimulate the dog’s immune system to better recognise and attack remaining cancer cells when used alongside standard surgery and chemotherapy.
Researchers will compare outcomes in dogs receiving the vaccine with those previously treated with surgery and chemotherapy alone, while closely monitoring safety and side effects. If successful, this approach could offer a more targeted and effective treatment option for dogs facing this devastating disease.
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Detecting Drug-Resistant Hookworms in Community Dogs
Detecting resistant hookworms in community dogs using ambient-temperature faecal storage
Hookworms are common parasites in dogs and can also infect people, causing skin and digestive disease. Increasingly, some hookworms are becoming resistant to commonly used worming treatments, making infections harder to control.
This project focuses on community dogs in remote areas of northern Australia, where veterinary access can be limited. Small faecal samples will be collected during routine health programs and tested using advanced genetic methods to detect signs of drug resistance.
A key innovation is a new sample storage method that allows samples to be transported at room temperature, making research possible in very remote locations. The results will help guide better parasite control, reduce the spread of resistant worms, and protect the health of both dogs and people.
Contact Details
Secretary: L Brodie Liaison Officer: A FullerMelbourne, VIC, Australia
Email : [email protected]