A clinical research program led by The University of Queensland is inviting dogs with advanced or inoperable cancers to participate in trials evaluating a novel immunomodulatory therapy, offering potential new options for patients with limited treatment pathways.
The project will assess the effectiveness of the oral drug Enzistat in dogs with naturally occurring solid tumours, including soft tissue sarcoma, mast cell tumour and melanoma. The therapy is designed to activate the patient’s immune response to target cancer cells.
Rachel Allavena from UQ’s School of Veterinary Science said the trials are aimed at dogs whose cancers are considered terminal or unsuitable for surgery.
“The six-week protocol involves twice-daily oral administration of Enzistat, scheduled clinical assessments, blood sampling and biopsies,” Allavena said.
“Earlier compassionate-use experience indicated tumour regression and extended survival in late-stage palliative cases, supporting the need for formal clinical evaluation.”
The research comprises two complementary trials. One focuses on extending quality and duration of life in terminal patients, while the second investigates whether the therapy can shrink tumours sufficiently to enable surgical intervention.
To be eligible, dogs must have a confirmed cancer diagnosis and supporting veterinary records. Participants are required to attend the UQ Gatton campus multiple times during the treatment period, with researchers coordinating care alongside each dog’s primary veterinarian. Dogs must also have an anticipated survival time exceeding three months.
The trial will provide Enzistat and research associated assessments, with participants required to cover other veterinary costs.
Solid tumours remain a significant health concern in canine populations, with an estimated one in three dogs developing cancer during their lifetime.
Co-investigator Jose Granados Soler said that while surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy remain standard treatments, access and cost can limit options for many families.
“Immunotherapeutics is still emerging in veterinary medicine but represents a promising avenue seen in human oncology,” Granados Soler said.
“Our objective is to develop safe, practical immunotherapies that can be delivered in general practice at a realistic cost, either alone or alongside existing treatments.”
The trial is being conducted in partnership with Avammune Therapeutics Inc, the biotechnology company that developed Enzistat.
Chief executive Arun Papaiah said the collaboration marks an important milestone in veterinary oncology research.
“This study is about translating scientific innovation into meaningful clinical benefit — potentially giving families more time with their pets,” Papaiah said.
“Enzistat has been designed as an oral, off-the-shelf therapy that aims to deliver advanced immunotherapy outcomes without the logistical complexity of hospital-based treatments.”
Enzistat and trial-related research assessments will be provided to enrolled participants, with owners responsible for routine veterinary costs associated with care.
Owners of eligible dogs should apply for the trial by contacting uqvets.sa@uq.edu.au.
