Canine Health Foundation Grant #02912

Project Abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells whose function are to eliminate virus infected and cancer cells from the body. In this clinical trial investigators will test the feasibility, safety and immunologic and biologic activity of adoptive NK cell therapy combined with chemotherapy to treat dogs with lymphoma. NK cells from healthy dogs will be isolated from their normal blood donations, expanded in the laboratory and cultured under conditions that enhance their function. These cells will then be given to dogs with lymphoma in combination with chemotherapy. Concentrations of NK cells in blood and lymph nodes and immunologic effects in treated dogs will be assessed using correlative assays. Successful completion of this trial will inform the development of future clinical trials using adoptive NK cell therapies for the treatment of One lymphoma and other cancers and diseases.