Dog Gut Microbes Linked to Cancer Survival: Study

Canine cancer patients' microbiome composition affects response to new immunotherapy treatment.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A new study led by Oregon State University scientists found that the gut microbiome composition of canine cancer patients receiving a novel immunotherapy treatment was linked to their survival rates. The researchers identified 11 specific bacteria types that were associated with either longer or shorter survival times.

Why it matters

This research offers new hope for the nearly 50% of U.S. households with a dog, as it suggests that personalized medicine and better cancer treatment outcomes may one day be possible for the approximately 6 million dogs diagnosed with cancer each year. Understanding the role of the gut microbiome could lead to new ways to "fix" a dog's microbiome to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

The details

The study involved 51 dogs of various ages and breeds that had been diagnosed with a range of malignancies, including bone and blood vessel cancers. Each dog was treated with a new type of cancer vaccine designed to trigger the immune system to block two cancer cell proteins. Prior to treatment, the researchers collected rectal swab samples from the dogs to analyze their microbiomes. They found 11 specific bacteria types that were linked to how long the dogs lived - some were associated with longer survival, while others were linked to shorter survival.

  • The study results were published in February 2026 in the journal Veterinary Oncology.

The players

Natalia Shulzhenko

An Oregon State University scientist who studies host-microbiota interactions and led the research.

Andrey Morgun

A co-lead researcher from the OSU College of Pharmacy.

National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health

Provided funding for the study.

Canine Cancer Alliance

Provided funding for the study.

Biomedical Sciences Department of the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine

Provided funding for the study.

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What they’re saying

“Our study is a first step toward using the gut microbiome as a tool to develop prognoses and to manipulate cancer, not just in dogs, but potentially as a model for human treatments as well.”

— Natalia Shulzhenko (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers plan to further explore ways to "fix" a dog's gut microbiome to help cancer treatments work more effectively and improve survival rates.

The takeaway

This groundbreaking research on the link between canine gut microbiomes and cancer treatment outcomes offers new hope for the millions of dogs diagnosed with cancer each year. By understanding the role of specific gut bacteria, veterinarians may one day be able to personalize cancer treatments and improve prognoses for our four-legged friends.