Mason Immunotherapy Research Laboratory
The laboratory investigates canine version of hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).
Our Research
Cancer is the leading cause of death in senior dogs — and the Mason Immunotherapy Research Laboratory is at the leading edge of new technologies in treatment for a myriad of types. Canine cancer, like cancer in humans, has long been treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. But as new methods have proliferated in humans, the parallel developments haven’t always happened in animals.
The Mason Immunotherapy Research Laboratory specializes in canine immunotherapy, training an animal’s own immune system to target its cancers, using techniques and technologies pioneered at Penn Medicine for use in humans. Compared to more traditional techniques, such as radiation or chemotherapy, immunotherapy can have fewer side effects, and be effective in targeting different cancer types. Beyond bringing these modalities into the vet world, the research being done in the lab also provides valuable insight in the other direction — for treatments that may one day be used to help humans, too.
The Mason Immunotherapy Research Laboratory currently focuses primarily on genetically engineering chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to redirect and fight tumors, where T cells (part of the body’s natural defense system) are modified to be able to identify cancer cells they might otherwise miss, and begin to fight the growths, techniques work particularly well for B-cell malignancies — which are the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the USA. The Mason Immunotherapy Research Laboratory investigates canine version of hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), and you can read more about current novel therapies and clinical trials.
Therapies & Clinical Trials
Current Trial
Use of the PI3K inhibitor copanlisib to treat splenic hemangiosarcoma
In this trial, we will be evaluating the safety and effect of copanlisib on survival of dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma.
News and Publications
Dog cancer research advances pursuit of drugs for humans and canines Washington Post — Tuesday, Jun 20, 2023 Dr. Nicola Mason was interviewed about her clinical trials using listeria.
A promising potential treatment for osteosarcoma dvm360 — Friday, May 5, 2023 Dr. Nicola Mason talks about her immunotherapy research that may help both dogs and children.
How a dog’s life may change the course of cancer in people Boston Globe — Friday, Dec 9, 2022 Dr. Nicola Mason was interviewed about her clinical trials using listeria.
Exploring new treatment options for a devastating cancer AAHA — Wednesday, Nov 23, 2022Dr. Nicola Mason talks about a new clinical trial looking at the safety and efficacy of copanlisib to treat metastatic splenic hemangiosarcoma.
Cancer treatments for dogs could also lead to breakthroughs for humans 60 Minutes —Sunday, Nov 27, 2022Dr. Nicola Mason was interviewed about her role in leading clinical trials evaluating a novel Listeria-based vaccine to treat pet dogs with osteosarcoma, a common canine bone cancer.
CiteShare
Validation of a PD-1/CD28 chimeric switch receptor to augment CAR-T function in dogs with spontaneous B cell lymphoma. Yoshimoto S, Kudo A, Rotolo A, Foos K, Olenick L, Takagi S, Mason NJ. i Science. 2024 Aug 31;27(9):110863. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110863. eCollection 2024 Sep 20. PMID: 39314237
Immunotherapy with genetically engineered T cells holds promise for the treatment of nonmalignant diseases in the dog. Mason NJ. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024 Apr 16;262(S1):S40-S49. doi: 10.2460/javma.24.02.0113. Print 2024 Jun 1. PMID: 38621412
Unedited allogeneic iNKT cells show extended persistence in MHC-mismatched canine recipients. Rotolo A, Whelan EC, Atherton MJ, Kulikovskaya I, Jarocha D, Fraietta JA, Kim MM, Diffenderfer ES, Cengel KA, Piviani M, Radaelli E, Duran-Struuck R, Mason NJ. Cell Rep Med. 2023 Oct 17;4(10):101241. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101241. PMID: 37852175
Bite-size introduction to canine hematologic malignancies. Atherton MJ, Mason NJ. Blood Adv. 2022 Jul 12;6(13):4073-4084. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005045. PMID: 35316831
Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG-CTCAE v2) following investigational therapy in dogs and cats. LeBlanc AK, Atherton M, Bentley RT, Boudreau CE, Burton JH, Curran KM, Dow S, Giuffrida MA, Kellihan HB, Mason NJ, Oblak M, Selmic LE, Selting KA, Singh A, Tjostheim S, Vail DM, Weishaar KM, Berger EP, Rossmeisl JH, Mazcko C.Vet Comp Oncol. 2021 Jun;19(2):311-352. doi: 10.1111/vco.12677. Epub 2021 Feb 18. PMID: 33427378
Genetic re-direction of canine primary T cells for clinical trial use in pet dogs with spontaneous cancer. Rotolo A, Atherton MJ, Kasper BT, Haran KP, Mason NJ. STAR Protoc. 2021 Oct 22;2(4):100905. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100905. eCollection 2021 Dec 17.PMID: 34746864
Director, Immunotherapy Research Laboratory
Nicola J. Mason, BVetMed, PhD
Professor of Medicine and Pathobiology
Dr. Nicola Mason is a veterinarian, professor, principal investigator, but above all, an animal lover. Her goal is to bring her cutting-edge research to your pet — from bench to bedside. Her research in immunotherapy has opened many new options for treating previously difficult diseases like cancer, to make sure your furry friend has a better life by your side.
Join Us Today
We are always seeking highly motivated students, post-doctoral fellows, or veterinarians who are interested in becoming involved in research.
Find Us
University of Pennsylvania
School of Veterinary Medicine
3800 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539
Ryan Hospital (free parking)
3900 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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