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Early Cancer Detection in Dogs with a Simple Blood Draw
PetDx® invites you to learn more about liquid biopsy technology and our OncoK9® multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test for dogs.
OncoK9: Test Availability
Veterinarians in North America May Order Directly From PetDx or Through Our Partners
USA Test Code: S14493
CANADA Test Code: CS14493
To learn more about ordering,
contact your Antech representative
USA Test Code: 8972
CANADA Test Code: ONCOK9
To learn more about ordering,
contact your IDEXX representative
6 Million New Cancer Cases Per Year in US Dogs
Cancer is by far the single most common cause of death in adult dogs. Like humans, dogs have a 1 in 3 lifetime risk of getting cancer, and approximately 6 million dogs are newly diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Older dogs and certain breeds have a higher lifetime risk of cancer and/or have a higher risk of being diagnosed at an earlier age. Cancer in dogs is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited, and chances of long-term control or cure are low. Each year, cancer cuts short the lives of many dogs who might have enjoyed many healthy years with their families had the disease been detected earlier.
Cancer is a Disease of the Genome
Each cell in a dog’s body contains billions of DNA “letters” that make up the dog’s genome. Cancer develops as a result of the successive accumulation of genomic alterations (DNA mutations) over time. All cells release DNA fragments into the bloodstream. DNA released from cancer cells contains specific genomic alterations associated with cancer that can be detected by liquid biopsy with the OncoK9 test. (OncoK9 indicates whether cancer is currently present in the body; it does not indicate risk for future cancer development.)
OncoK9: The Liquid Biopsy Test for Dogs
As a first-in-class multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test, OncoK9 employs cutting-edge genomic analysis that leverages next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and proprietary bioinformatics algorithms, empowering veterinarians to provide superior care to canine patients.
Simple
Blood Draw
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Most cancer tests are either invasive (like a tissue biopsy) or require special equipment (like imaging). OncoK9 requires only a simple blood draw. The sample collection can take place during the same visit when the veterinarian prescribes the test.
Multi-Cancer
Coverage
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OncoK9 has demonstrated cancer signal detection in 30 different cancer types, including 8 of the most common cancers in dogs.
Cutting-Edge
Technology
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OncoK9 interrogates millions of cell-free DNA fragments in each blood sample, using sophisticated next-generation sequencing technology and bioinformatics algorithms to detect genomic alterations associated with cancer.
Early
Detection
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By identifying cancer signal in cell-free DNA extracted from a blood sample, OncoK9 may allow for earlier detection of cancer, before the onset of clinical signs.
OncoK9: Clinical Validation Study
Clinical validation of a next-generation sequencing-based multi-cancer early detection “liquid biopsy” blood test in over 1,000 dogs using an independent testing set: The CANcer Detection in Dogs (CANDiD) study
The international, multi-center clinical study demonstrated that OncoK9® – The Liquid Biopsy Test for Dogs™ can detect 30 different types of cancer with a simple blood draw. The CANDiD study included blood samples collected prospectively from more than 1,000 client-owned dogs at more than 40 clinical sites across the United States, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, France, and Hong Kong between 2019 and 2021.
Results of the CANDiD Study – the largest clinical validation study ever performed in veterinary cancer diagnostics – were recently published by PLOS ONE, a leading peer-reviewed journal.
OncoK9: How the Liquid Biopsy Test Works
Step 1
A blood sample is collected that contains cell-free DNA fragments released from healthy cells and cancer cells (if cancer is present).
Step 2
A centrifuge is used to separate the blood sample into 3 components: plasma, buffy coat, and hematocrit.
Step 3
Cell-free DNA is extracted from plasma and an amplified DNA library is prepared for sequencing.
Step 4
Next-generation sequencing of the DNA library generates detailed data for analysis.
Step 5
The lab uses proprietary bioinformatics algorithms to identify cancer-associated genomic alterations.
Step 6
A clinical report is sent to the veterinarian indicating whether or not cancer signal has been detected.
All OncoK9 testing and interpretation steps are performed at the PetDx central laboratory in San Diego, California (ISO 9001:2015 Certificate Nr. 1807). Two state-of-the-art Illumina NovaSeq 6000 Next-Generation Sequencing instruments are used for the high-complexity testing required to generate OncoK9 results.
OncoK9: Intended Use
OncoK9 is a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test for the detection and characterization of cancer-associated genomic alterations in DNA isolated from canine whole blood samples, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. OncoK9 is intended for use in dogs who are at higher risk of cancer. As with any laboratory test, OncoK9 results should be interpreted by a veterinarian in the context of each patient's medical history and clinical presentation.
OncoK9: Annual Screening
OncoK9 is recommended as an annual screening test for all dogs starting at 7 years of age and starting at younger ages for dogs belonging to breeds in which cancer tends to develop earlier in life.
OncoK9: Aid-in-Diagnosis
OncoK9 is recommended as an aid-in-diagnosis for dogs in which cancer is suspected based on clinical signs or other clinical findings.
OncoK9: Limitations & Risks
OncoK9 requires a blood collection performed under the care of a licensed veterinarian, and test results are returned to the veterinarian for communication to the pet owner. As with any laboratory test, OncoK9 results should be interpreted by a veterinarian in the context of each patient's medical history and clinical presentation. Test failures and false positive or false negative results may occur. To review OncoK9 disclosures, please visit the OncoK9 Test Limitations & Risks web page.
As an oncologist, I am excited about the ways in which the OncoK9 liquid biopsy test will benefit dogs, their families, and the veterinarians that manage their care.
PetDx in the Media
American Veterinary Medical Association
| Veterinary PublicationStudy uses dog breed, weight, and sex to determine age for early detection of cancer
View MediaYahoo
| News PublicationStudy Recommends Cancer Screening for Dogs as Young as 4 Years Old
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| Science PublicationStudy Recommends Cancer Screening for Dogs Beginning Age Seven, Depending on Breed
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| News PublicationCancer in Dogs: Breed & Size Matter, Study Shows
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| NewspaperThe dogs most prone to getting cancer young
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| Technology PublicationDog Breed, Weight and Sex May Determine Best Age for Cancer Screening
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| Pet Parent PodcastEarly Cancer Detection in Dogs with OncoK9 on Tripawd Talk Radio
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| Veterinary Publication2022 Research Review: A practical guide to scientific advances from Clinician's Brief – Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Detection in Dogs
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| Veterinary PublicationCancer in Dogs Part I: The Importance of Early Detection
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| Streaming ChannelDog Center: Segment #2
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| Business PublicationSpecial Report: Life Science
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| Veterinary PodcastEpisode 152: Cancer Screening & "Liquid Biopsy" - What You Need to Know
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| Corporate BlogCancer Detection in Dogs: OncoK9 Liquid Biopsy and the CANDiD Study Q&A with Daniel Grosu of PetDx
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| Science PublicationPetDx-led Team Clinically Validates Liquid Biopsy Test for Canine Cancers
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| Technology PublicationThis Blood Test Detects Cancer in Dogs. But Do You Want to Know?
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| Veterinary PublicationClinical trial to evaluate OncoK9 liquid biopsy test for dogs
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| Stock Exchange PublicationIDEXX (IDXX) Collaborates With PetDx for Canine Cancer Test
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| Veterinary PublicationMulticancer detection in dogs with cell-free DNA
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| NewspaperStartups: Round to scale adoption of early-detection cancer test for K9s
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| Science PublicationPetDx Raises $62M in Series B Round
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| Business PublicationPetDx Raises $62M To Get Canine Cancer-Detecting Tech To Vets Across The US
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| Corporate News CenterEarly Cancer Detection for Dogs is Here
View MediaJoin the Revolution in Early Cancer Detection for Dogs
If you are ready to add the OncoK9 multi-cancer early detection test to your veterinary practice, we would love to hear from you.