A Sydney tech entrepreneur’s determination to save his beloved dog has led to a remarkable breakthrough in personalized cancer treatment. Rosie, an eight-year-old staffy-shar pei mix, was diagnosed with aggressive mast cell cancer in 2024, but thanks to the innovative application of artificial intelligence and mRNA technology, she’s now showing significant signs of recovery.
Paul Conyngham, co-founder of Core Intelligence Technologies and a former director of the Data Science and AI Association of Australia, turned to AI after conventional treatments proved insufficient. His journey highlights the potential of leveraging advanced technology to address complex medical challenges, offering a glimmer of hope not only for animal health but also for future human cancer therapies.
The story began when Conyngham adopted Rosie from a local animal shelter in 2019, as pandemic lockdowns began. When tumors began appearing on Rosie’s leg in 2024, he pursued chemotherapy and surgery, but the cancer persisted. Frustrated with the lack of progress, Conyngham began exploring alternative solutions, ultimately turning to ChatGPT for guidance.
AI-Driven Blueprint for a Personalized Vaccine
Conyngham utilized ChatGPT to formulate a research plan, then deployed artificial intelligence to analyze Rosie’s genomic data. This analysis, which involved sequencing Rosie’s DNA at the University of New South Wales’ Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics at a cost of $3,000, aimed to pinpoint the specific mutations driving the cancer. As Associate Professor Martin Smith of UNSW explained, sequencing the DNA allows researchers to map the tumor and identify the mutations, providing a clearer understanding of the disease’s cause, according to The Australian.
The process involved comparing healthy DNA from Rosie’s blood with DNA from her tumor to identify the cancerous mutations. Conyngham described it as comparing a new engine to one with significant wear and tear, allowing for precise identification of the damage. He then used algorithms to identify potential drugs that could target the disease. When a promising immunotherapy drug proved unavailable, Conyngham shifted his focus to mRNA vaccine technology.
First-of-its-Kind mRNA Vaccine Developed for Canine Cancer
Conyngham connected with Pall Thordarson, director of the UNSW RNA Institute, an Icelandic nanomedicine expert. Thordarson utilized Conyngham’s data – summarized in a “half-page formula” – to develop a custom mRNA vaccine tailored specifically to Rosie’s cancer. Fortune reports that this marks the first time a personalized cancer vaccine has been designed for a dog.
Administered over the Christmas break in 2025, the vaccine yielded remarkable results. Within one month, a tennis ball-sized tumor on Rosie’s hock had shrunk by 75%, astonishing Conyngham’s veterinary team and prompting excitement among researchers in the field of human cancer treatment. IBTimes UK details the rapid and positive response to the treatment.
“It raises the question, if we can do this for a dog, why aren’t we rolling this out to all humans with cancer?” said Associate Professor Smith, highlighting the potential implications of this breakthrough. “It gives hope to a lot of people, and it’s something we’re passionate about trying to chase up here.”
Implications for Personalized Medicine
Thordarson emphasized that Rosie’s case demonstrates the effectiveness and speed with which personalized medicine can be implemented using mRNA technology, potentially paving the way for similar treatments for human patients. The success of Rosie’s treatment underscores the growing potential of AI and mRNA technology in revolutionizing cancer care.
The development of this personalized vaccine wasn’t without hurdles. Conyngham faced the challenge of finding a veterinary researcher with the necessary ethics approval to administer the experimental drug. However, his persistence and collaboration with leading Australian scientists ultimately led to a life-saving outcome for Rosie.
As research continues, the lessons learned from Rosie’s case are expected to inform and accelerate the development of personalized cancer treatments for both animals, and humans. The innovative approach taken by Conyngham and the team at UNSW offers a compelling example of how technology can be harnessed to address some of the most challenging medical problems of our time.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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