“Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers” Trailer Debuts, Showcasing How Dogs Are Helping Unlock the Future of Cancer Treatment

The Emmy Award-winning PBS series Shelter Me has released the official trailer for its newest installment, Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers—a groundbreaking and emotionally stirring documentary that follows a powerful journey: how dogs with cancer are leading the way in the fight to save human lives. The full documentary will be available for streaming beginning Thursday, May 15 on the PBS app and PBS.org.

This latest film, created and produced by Steven Latham and presented by Petco Love, explores the promising and growing field of comparative oncology—a collaborative scientific approach that treats naturally occurring cancers in dogs through clinical trials, while simultaneously advancing treatment options for people. The trailer offers a glimpse into the heart of the film: beloved pets battling cancer, compassionate scientists and veterinarians at the forefront of innovation, and the hope that these trials could lead to lifesaving breakthroughs for both species.

“This is one of the most powerful and consequential stories I’ve ever told,” says Latham. “Dogs are helping unlock the future of cancer treatment for people, and the results are incredibly promising.”

The Cancer Pioneers features top-tier experts and institutions including the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and leading veterinary schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois, and Colorado State University. These institutions are collaborating on immunotherapy clinical trials in dogs—trials that are directly impacting the development of human cancer treatments.

One of the key breakthroughs highlighted in the film is the work of OS Therapies, a biotechnology company developing OST-HER2, an immunotherapy that stimulates the immune system to target the HER2 protein. This therapy has already completed multiple canine clinical trials for osteosarcoma and has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation, Fast Track, and Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for human trials. In canines, it has conditional approval from the USDA and is already changing the standard of care.

“This film captures the real-world impact of science that has taken years of dedication and collaboration,” said Paul Romness, CEO of OS Therapies. “Veterinary oncology is now changing the trajectory of osteosarcoma treatment for humans.”

At its core, The Cancer Pioneers is not just a story of science—it’s a tribute to the dogs who are more than patients; they are family members and heroes. The film underscores the deep human-animal bond and how our connection with pets could hold the key to curing cancer.

To watch the official trailer: https://youtu.be/pFaockwrROM

To learn more about the Shelter Me series: https://www.shelterme.tv

For more on OS Therapies and its groundbreaking work in canine and human cancer treatment, visit www.ostherapies.com.