In 2018, Stop Children's Cancer Research Grant was awarded to Dr. Cascio who continues working on two specific projects related to osteosarcoma in dogs. Osteosarcoma is the same in dogs as is in humans. Most dog owners are very willing to try anything that will help extend their pet's life span if it can be done while providing good quality of life. While beneficial to the dogs, this research is also very important to improve the outcome of children with Osteosarcoma.

Dr. Cascio is working with Dr. Rowan Milner on a vaccine to target molecules expressed on osteosarcoma called GD2 and GD3 (for ganglioside 2 and 3, a type of sugar/protein hybrid). Larger dogs get these tumors naturally. These tumors are fast growing and fatal. The recommended standard treatment of care for the dog owner is to have the veterinarian remove the tumor(s) and then have the dog receive chemotherapy. This form of treatment only gives the dog a small amount of additional time. Adding the vaccine at least doubles the life span of these family dogs with minimal side effects.

Dr. Cascio is working on developing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (CART) to GD2 and GD3. These genetically engineered T-cells have not yet been tested in dogs, but the hope is that they can also fight Osteosarcoma and prolong the life of the dogs, again, with little side effects. If effective in dogs the hope is that this technology will also be beneficial to children with Osteosarcoma.

Childhood Osteosarcoma cure rate percentages have not improved, and currently, 1 in 4 children die from this disease. The efforts of Dr. Cascio have lead to much needed funding for his research to advance into clinical trials. This past year, UF Health recruited a world-class clinical trials specialist, Dr. John Ligon from the National Cancer Institute who will lead the first clinical trial. They are right on time and on target in terms of opening this trial at the five-year mark. Dr. Ligon will be mentored by Dr. Sayour, and his research effort will be supported by the Stop Children's Cancer/Bonnie R. Freeman Professorship. Stop Children’s Cancer can take pride in this collaboration leading to a multicentered clinical trial!