Tripawd Talk Radio 130: In this inspiring episode of Tripawd Talk, we’re joined by Dr. Nicola Mason, a leading veterinary immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss her groundbreaking work in treating osteosarcoma in dogs.
Dr. Mason explains how immunotherapy — specifically CAR T-cell therapy — is showing promise for dogs with metastatic bone cancer. You'll learn about a brand-new CAR iNKT cell therapy clinical trial using off-the-shelf donor immune cells to help dogs fight lung metastases after amputation and chemotherapy.
We also talk about the importance of immune system “fitness,” what researchers have learned from past clinical trials, and why the courage of pet parents participating in these studies is helping to advance care for both dogs and children with osteosarcoma.
Whether you’re facing a recent diagnosis or simply want to stay informed about the future of canine cancer care, this episode offers hope, insight, and valuable next steps.
GUEST BIO:
About Dr. Nicola Mason
Dr. Nicola Mason, BVetMed, PhD, DACVIM, FRCVS, is a professor of Professor of Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She a leading researcher in the field of veterinary immunotherapy.
Dr. Mason has pioneered groundbreaking cancer treatments for dogs, including immunotherapies that activate the body’s own immune system to fight osteosarcoma.
Her current research focuses on innovative cellular therapies, including CAR iNKT cell treatments designed to target metastatic disease. Dr. Mason’s work is helping shape the future of cancer care for both pets and people.
RESOURCES:
Mentioned in This Episode
New Clinical Trial at Penn Vet: Off-the-Shelf CAR T-Cell Therapy for Dogs with Osteosarcoma
https://tripawds.com/2025/07/17/penn-vet-clinical-trial-for-osteosarcoma-dogs/
Penn Vet Comparative Immunotherapy Program:
https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-laboratories/research-laboratory/clinical-immunotherapy
PBS Feature with Dr. Mason
Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers
https://www.pbs.org/video/the-cancer-pioneers-jemhoc/
AVMA Animal Health Studies Database: https://ebusiness.avma.org/aahsd/study_search.aspx
Connect & Learn More
Facing osteosarcoma? You’re not alone. The Tripawds Support Circle is here for you:
https://tripawds.circle.so
Stay updated with the latest in Tripawd news and research:
https://tripawds.com/subscribe
Subscribe to Tripawd Talk wherever you get your podcasts!
https://tripawds.com/radio
Learn more at tripawds.com. Follow @tripawds on Facebook and @tripawdscommunity on Instagram. Help Tripawds everywhere at tripawds.org.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!