Access to multi-cancer early detection test for dogs is expanded

Credit: PetDx

PetDx, a provider of liquid biopsy products for pets, is making its novel multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test for dogs (OncoK9), available to all Antech Diagnostics customers across North America through a strategic agreement between the companies.¹ The test, which requires a simple blood draw, utilizes next-generation sequencing to detect multiple cancers in canines through DNA.^1,2

“Cancer is by far the leading cause of death in dogs and the vast majority of cases are diagnosed after the onset of clinical signs, by which time the cancer is often advanced and the chances of achieving a cure or long-term control are low,” said PetDx Founder and CEO Daniel S. Grosu, MD, MBA, in a joint press release. “Our relationship with Antech broadens access to this breakthrough innovation and is expected to have a profound impact on dogs, the people who love them, and the veterinarians looking to provide the very best care for their patients.”¹

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are approximately 6 million new cases diagnosed each year in a population of approximately 65 million dogs in the United States.³ There are no established cancer screening guidelines for dogs, and many cases are diagnosed only when dogs start to show clinical signs, by which time the cancer is often advanced and the chances of achieving a cure or long-term control are low.²

“Cancer takes too many dogs far too soon, and early diagnosis and treatment are the best defense against that,” said Cathy Meeks, DVM, DACVIM, vice president, medical operations, Antech Diagnostics, in the press release. “OncoK9 will be a valuable tool for our customers to use as they both screen for and work to diagnose suspected cancers, likely helping extend the lives of many dogs.”¹

A clinical validation study demonstrating the ability of PetDx’s novel liquid biopsy test for dogs has been published in PLOS One, a peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal from the Public Library of Science. The publication details results of the CANcer Detection in Dogs (CANDiD) study, which is the largest clinical validation study ever performed in veterinary cancer diagnostics, according to PetDx.³

The CANDiD study was performed on blood samples collected prospectively from more than 1000 client-owned dogs at more than 40 clinical sites around the world. The study demonstrated that the performance of the PetDx’s novel liquid biopsy test for dogs mirrors that of leading MCED tests for humans. It can detect 30 different types of canine cancer, with sensitivity of 85.4% for 3 of the most aggressive cancers (lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma) and overall sensitivity of 54.7%, at a specificity of 98.5% (corresponding to a false positive rate of just 1.5%).^1,2

Since its launch in 2021, the novel liquid biopsy test for dogs has been integrated into routine testing at thousands of leading veterinary practices nationwide as a new preventive care and aid-in-diagnosis tool, according to PetDx. Blood samples from all over the United States are shipped daily to the PetDx central laboratory in San Diego, and results are delivered to ordering veterinarians within 10 business days.¹

The test is currently available at veterinary clinics across the United States and Canada.¹

References

1. Antech Diagnostics and PetDx Expand Access to OncoK9, the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test for Dogs. News release. June 8, 2022.
2. PetDx® announces publication of landmark clinical validation study for OncoK9®, its pioneering multi-cancer early detection test for dogs using next-generation sequencing. News release. April 26, 2022.
3. What is comparative oncology? National Cancer Institute: Center for Cancer Research. Accessed June 8, 2022. https://ccr.cancer.gov/Comparative-Oncology-Program/pet-owners/what-is-comp-onc