Dr. Ed Sullivan,
Veterinarian at the Bellingham Veterinary Critical Care Centre
Bellingham, Washington
Dr. Ed Sullivan, a veterinarian at the
Bellingham Veterinary Critical Care Centre, located in Bellingham,
Washington, has been extraordinary at "pushing the envelope", trying
to get treatment for desperately sick animals. He has been working
with the researchers at the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, located in Seattle, Washington, a
world renowned facility for cancer treatment. People come from all
over the world, to be treated at FHCRC. You can visit the centre on
line, at http://www.fhcrc.org/
Many of you may be familiar with the FHCRC, because of the work they
have been doing to "develop the resources necessary to map and clone
canine genes, in an effort to utilize dogs as a model system for
genetics and cancer research. The Dog Genome Project is moving from
the FHCRC to the National Human Genome Research Institute, which is
part of the National Institutes of Health, located in Bethesda,
Maryland. The project will change its name to the NHGRI Dog Genome
Project, and will be found on the web at
http://research.nhgri.nih.gov/dog_genome/.
About a year ago, Dr.
Sullivan and the team at the FHCRC did a bone marrow transplant on a
young Golden Retriever from San Juan Island named Comet, who was
suffering from T-Cell lymphoma. This was not an experimental
treatment, in the sense that most of the bone marrow transplant
knowledge for humans, has been gained through work with dogs.
However, this was the first time, at least in the United States, to
the best of anyone's knowledge, that a pet had been given a bone
marrow transplant for lymphoma. Comet is alive and well, and
accompanies his people on a 5 mile run every day. Comet's "one year
anniversary" is coming up in a couple of weeks!
Dr. Sullivan and his wife Teresa, a veterinary surgeon, are setting
up a Veterinary Cancer Treatment Centre, through their practice in
Bellingham, Washington.
The following, is an excerpt from an email, that was just shared
with a group of Golden Retriever fanciers and breeders:
"We are currently looking for cases of high grade lymphoma (any subtype is fair game, T Cell, B
Cell, lymphoblastic, etc.), other myelodysplastic conditions (such as immune mediate hemolytic
anemia--these conditions are good candidates for bone marrow transplants since they are a dysfunction of the marrow), and hemangiosarcoma -- a very common cancer condition of dogs. The first two groups are known to respond well to bone marrow transplants--there are literally thousands of people who have been treated. The third condition, humanism, is very rare in humans, very common in dogs, and there is no good model for the treatment of them right now. I want to transplant a group of dogs with humanism and see if we can cure this condition. Comet is proof that current knowledge is already out there for potentially curing a large percentage of the most common form of cancer in dogs, lymphoma. This breakthrough will change the textbooks, and we all have the privilege of being part of it. Ed" (Thanks to Nancy Clifton)
If you have a dog with lymphoma, or know of one, they may be
eligible for this treatment . This is a fantastic breakthrough. We
have all done our homework, and we all know that there is much more
homework to be done, but this opens the window of hope even further,
for our beloved heart dogs.
Dr. Sullivan is also trying to set up funding so that those in need
of financial assistance, can afford treatment.
Northwest Veterinary Blood Bank
www.amcbel.com
720 Virginia St Bellingham, WA. 98225
phone: 360-752-5554
fax: 360-752-5555
email:
info@nwvetbloodbank.com
You or your veterinarian can call the Bellingham Veterinary and
Critical Care Centre, at
360-734-0720. They are located at 720 Virginia Street, Bellingham,
WA, USA, 98225.
It's hard to believe that almost three years have gone by already since Thunder was diagnosed with lymphoma. I remember so many details of that moment: how my weight was shifted to my left leg, the color of my shoes, the feel of Thunder's broad head under my hand, his eyes. I remember his trusting eyes so well. Odd, though, I don't recall much of what was said, just the sound of a voice breaking the news that I'd already guessed. I got through that moment, but never away from it.
If you've had Goldens for very long, or dogs for very long, you know that moment, because you've been there. And if you haven't been there yet, you will be. Sixty to seventy percent of Goldens die of cancer; forty-five percent of all dogs die of cancer. In fact, some of you are hearing the news that your dog has cancer today, and some will hear the news tomorrow, or next week. Right now, that's almost a given if you own multiple dogs.
After Thunder was diagnosed, I searched for answers, the same as everyone else does. How do I help him? Why did this happen? How do I protect my other dogs? I have to admit that my first reaction was centered on MY dogs - I did not immediately see the bigger picture. But what I finally realized was that to help my own dogs, I needed to become part of the bigger picture. The only way to improve the future for my dogs, was to become part of the solution by participating in research to help all dogs.
And I discovered very quickly that helping other dogs, helping my breed, gave meaning to that moment. If I had to lose Thunder, what better legacy could he leave behind, than to be part of a more hopeful future?
I wrote a public letter then, hoping to help recruit others who wanted to do more than just grieve for their impending loss. And so many who read the plea responded. Their willingness to reach out in the midst of their sorrow, really made a difference in a lymphoma study that was in progress at that time. And I'm sure that every owner who participated would affirm that they are grateful they had that opportunity.
Thunder passed away about 2 years ago. The disease got him - but in one small way, he struck a blow against the disease too. That remains a source of comfort.
So here we are, nearly three years later, and I'm writing another letter. There is a new canine cancer study that needs our support and participation. This one is for Goldens, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs who have been diagnosed with lymphoma or osteosarcoma. Other breeds may be included with prior approval of the researchers. Owners and their vet will need to submit biopsy samples, a blood sample, a pedigree, signed consent forms, and agree to acceptable chemotherapy treatment. Blood samples will also be needed from 2 unaffected first degree relatives (parents, siblings, offspring).
Now here's the part that is sometimes a problem: the biopsy sample must be prepared in a very specific way, using a solution supplied by the researchers. Therefore, the researchers must be contacted at least a day or two PRIOR to the surgery. In addition, the dog must not have started treatment such as chemotherapy or prednisone before the biopsy.
We who love our dogs, the scientists trying to help us, and of course, the dogs themselves - need your help. We're all in this together, and together we can make a difference.
If you are faced with that numbing moment when you hear or suspect a diagnosis of lymphoma or osteosarcoma, and your dog fits the study requirements, please contact me. I know it takes courage to look beyond that moment, while you are in the midst of it. But I also know that these affected dogs who participate in research, leave behind a legacy that will
be one of your greatest comforts.
If your dog does not meet the requirements for this study, and you would like to find one that is suitable, I will try to help. Even if you just have questions, I will try to help. Like I said, we're all in this together.
In a recent issue of the
"Golden Retriever News", Rhonda Hovan, breeder/exhibitor/judge
called upon every Golden Retriever Club of America member, to make a
personal financial commitment to support canine health research. Below,
you will find an abstract of each of the grants being carried out by the
Canine Health Foundation, that address an aspect of canine cancer. Each
of these studies holds great promise, not only for Golden Retrievers,
but for all pure breeds, but without sustained commitment from each of
us, studies like these, and studies being carried out right here, at the
University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College, will never achieve
their full potential, of being able to provide our dogs, whether pure
breed or mixed breed, with longer, healthier lives.
The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund (Pet Trust: In Memory of Blues) is
one way that you can help make a difference. Every donation you
make to the fund, and every piece of one-of-a-kind art work that you
order, helps us move one step closer to the day, we can truly
laugh in the face of the cruel joke we call cancer.
With your generous financial support, the Golden Retriever Foundation funds a diverse range of health studies investigating diseases such as several types of cancers, swallowing disorders, cataracts, SAS, and other issues of importance to the breed. In order to succeed, several of these studies require the cooperation of owners and participation of affected dogs -- yet when one's dog is diagnosed with a serious disease, owners may have difficulty recalling details of research studies. Please check back here often, and if you are a subscriber to the "Golden Retriever News", you will find information about research being conducted, in every issue.
For some studies, it is important that the dogs NOT be started on any medications prior to enrollment, or that biopsy or surgical samples be prepared in a specific manner, so please make contact as soon as possible when a diagnosis is suspected. Remember also that dogs owned by people who are not Golden Retriever Club of America members, are also eligible for these studies, and please consider referring other Golden owners when possible. Our Blues, a Canadian Kennel Club registered Golden Retriever, was a participant in one of these very important studies.
We recognize that it takes great courage to look beyond one's own sorrow when a special dog is diagnosed with a devastating disease, and we applaud the owners who participate in these research studies. Sometimes in the midst of sadness, helping to work toward a better future allows our beloved dogs to leave a legacy of hope to the next generation.
For more information, questions, or assistance, regarding the Golden Retriever Foundation's research studies, please contact the Golden Retriever Club of America's Research Faciliatator, Rhonda Hovan. Her email address is rhondahovan@aol.com, and her telephone number is 330-668-0044. Together, we can make a difference.
Vaccine studies for canine malignant melanoma and canine lymphoma are under way at several institutions around the United States, including Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, the Animal Medical Centre, the University of Wisconsin, University of Pennsylvania and the National Jewish Medical and Research Centre, in collaboration with private veterinary oncologists in Denver, Colorado.
You can find additional information on canine cancer studies at: http://www.amcny.org
A $5 million veterinary emergency hospital being built in Oakville will offer cancer treatment, orthopedic surgery and eventually a CAT scan and MRI
in what is said to be the largest such medical treatment facility for pets in Canada.
Construction on the 21,000-square-foot building began yesterday on a site on Bristol Circle, near Winston Churchill Blvd. and the Queen Elizabeth Way, on the Oakville-Mississauga border.
"This will be the largest private facility of its kind in Canada and one of the few existing in the world," said Dr. Wolfgang Zenker, veterinarian for
the High Park zoo and one of 20 veterinarians involved in the project.
He expects the hospital, due to open next spring, will treat up to 30,000 pets every year.
Zenker, a well-known veterinarian in Oakville for 33 years, said the hospital has been eight years in the planning and was inspired by a growing need for a facility that is able to offer leading-edge medical services for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and more exotic creatures such as rabbits
and reptiles.
"With provision for an MRI, a linear accelerator for cancer treatment, and a CAT scan, the hospital will serve as a referral centre for specialists during the day and an emergency treatment centre after hours," Zenker said.
Although there is no fee schedule available, rates for procedures will be competitive, he said.
"More than 50 per cent of Canadians own pets. We expect owners from across the country and the U.S. will bring their animals here because the specialized services are simply not available anywhere else in the community," he said.
"For example, one of the areas we will eventually develop will be for the treatment of cancer, and the hospital will eventually have a linear accelerator which is used in cancer diagnosis."
There will be six specialist examination rooms, four treatment rooms, and a hydrotherapy room with a variable-height water tank complete with a treadmill walker for exercising dogs after special operations.
Zenker said there will be on-site laboratory blood testing, three operating rooms, x-ray facilities, three wards and 15 kennel suites for post-surgery recovery. There will also be an emergency department with six examination
rooms that will be open all day.
The hospital, known as the Mississauga-Oakville Emergency Veterinary Clinic, will be an around-the-clock operation, and have 12 specialists on duty during the day and three emergency veterinarians overnight.
"In all, there will be a staff complement of 70 to 80 and we'll add staff, specialists and equipment as the facility grows," said Zenker, who has operated Burloak Animal Clinic, on Lakeshore Rd. W. in Oakville, since 1970.
Zenker is a specialist in treating exotic animals, including large cats like tigers and lions.
As a youngster, he was known as the boy with the alligator.
He raised the alligator until it was about 2 metres long before selling it to a reptile museum in Parry Sound.
"We've come a long way in the treatment and understanding of animal care and this new facility will not only help with that care, but also enhance our ability to improve quality of life for pets," he said.
Lay Abstract Excerpt: It has been established that non-random chromosome aberrations are characteristic of specific types of many different human cancers. In the dog the extent and identity of chromosome aberrations associated with specific cancers is still largely unknown. In certain breedsŠ soft tissue sarcomas account for up to 50% of all malignant tumors and thus represent a serious health and welfare issue for those breeds. This research proposes to make use of major recent advances in canine molecular cytogenetics to identify recurrent chromosome aberrations associated with canine soft tissue sarcomas, in particular those of histiocytic origin.
Lay Abstract Excerpt: Malignant histiocytosis (MH), while rare in people, occurs frequently in certain breeds of dogs including Golden Retrievers. There is no effective therapy for this disease and nearly all patients die with 2-4 months of diagnosis. The research proposes to evaluate MH tumor specimens for mutations in genes that may contribute to the development of this devastating cancer.
Growth Signaling Pathways in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Canine Cancer
Principal Investigator, Stuart Helfand, DVM, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin. Co-Investigator and Contact Person, Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD, AMC Cancer Research Center
The Molecular Cytogenics of Canine Lymphosarcoma: Correlating Chromosomal Changes with Clinical Disease
Principal Investigator, Matthew Breen, PhD, North Carolina State University
Identification and Characterization of Genetic Mutations in Canine Mast Cell Tumors
Principal Investigator: Cheryl London, DVM, PhD, University of California, Davis
The mission of K9 Cancer, Awareness, Research & Education (K9CARE) is a simple one. We have joined together to raise funds for canine cancer research. It is our way of battling a disease that has touched so many. We also plan to provide information about canine cancer and to hopefully make others aware of the importance of this issue. An account has been set up with the Morris Animal Foundation, and for every $2500 deposited, we will be sponsoring a canine cancer research project.
Canine Cancer is the leading cause of death in Golden Retrievers. There are dedicated scientists conducting research across the country. Many of these studies need dogs to participate in the research. Many times that participation can be as simple as a blood sample. Others are looking for samples, detailed information and more, from dogs diagnosed with specific types of cancer. We at The Goldstock Fund, want to provide a central location of information on active Canine Cancer Research. Our first priority would be to focus on those studies that involve Golden Retrievers. We realize, however, that other studies being done could impact our breed further down the research line. We also would like to include those studies as time permits. Although some of these studies may have very specific criteria for participation, others will be looking for samples to be used for control groups (i.e. healthy Golden Retrievers). Many of the studies will not be restricted to Golden Retrievers, but will include various other breeds. If you hear of a research study, please mail to: info@goldstockfund.org as we want to include all studies seeking participants. We salute the researchers dedicated to finding cures and answers. We applaud the owners who refuse to let their dogs die in vain, and who have the courage to take the extra step to help these researchers be successful.
Denver's AMC Cancer Research Centre is conducting the study "Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in Canine Lymphoma and Osteosarcoma." Owners of Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs diagnosed with lymphoma or osteosarcoma can assist in this vital research by submitting DNA samples (prerequisites must be met). For the full list of prerequisites and sample instructions, please contact Jaime Modiano, VMD, at 303-239-3408 or modianoj@amc.org. Information and updates will be posted on the AMC Cancer Research Centre web site at www.amc.org.
Financial constraints can be daunting, when seeking the best treatment for your dog. Even with pet insurance, the costs for chemotherapy can soar to four figures. Clinical research trials, often performed at veterinary colleges, including Tufts, investigate new methods of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Depending on funding, some programmes don't charge owners for services. Trials focus on different types of cancer, according to the investigator's interests, funding source, and support offered. For example, the Heska Corporation, www.heska.com, manufacturer of animal health products in Fort Collins, Colorado, is enrolling dogs with soft tissue sarcoma or oral malignant melanoma, in clinical trials, to test a gene-based therapy that stimulates the immune system response to the tumour. Tufts is studying new treatments for lymphoma and mast cell tumours, as well as a continuing programme of autologous (dog's own) bone marrow transplant for lymphoma. Contact -- Kelly Reed at Tufts -- 508-839-5395, Ext. 84682. The Veterinary Cancer Society, based in Schaumburg, Illinois, 619-460-2002, lists clinical trials and oncology specialists nationwide at www.vetcancersociety.org. Clinical trials offer the opportunity to receive promising new therapies often in conjunction with traditional care regimens. There is often a financial incentive for owners who might otherwise not be able to afford treatment. Pet owners are given all the options and are supported in their decisions.
Cancer continues to be a major health problem in the United States with dogs and people sharing almost identical death rates from it. Cancer causes approximately one in four human deaths, said Kenneth M. Rassnick, D.V.M., Dip. ACVIM, professor of oncology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Regardless of age, one in four dogs' deaths is due to cancer. Since cancer registries are not available in veterinary medicine, it is likely this number is even higher.
Resource: Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, "Your Dog", A Magazine for Caring Dog Owners, October 2002
Free chemotherapy for dogs with lymphoma! Yes - FREE. Beginning
April 15th we begin a clinical trial for dogs with lymphoma. We're
only one of three clinics in the United States, participating in a trial
to help dogs with lymphoma. All costs for patient evaluation and
treatment are at NO CHARGE to the pet owner! Call or email us for
additional details.
For further information, please contact:
Kevin A. Hahn, DVM, PhD
Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists
1111 West Loop South, Suite 150
Houston, TX 77027
Phone Number: (713) 693-1166
Fax Number: (713)693-1167 http://www.gulfcoastvetspec.com
mailto:drhahn@gulfcoastvetspec.com
Abstract: Dogs that are not treated following diagnosis of a brain
tumour survive an average of only two weeks. Treatment with either
surgery and/or radiation can extend their survival to about ten
months. Clearly there is a need for new approaches to treating brain
tumours in dogs if survival is to be improved. In humans, malignant
brain tumours are being treated successfully with toxins targeted
specifically to a marker expressed by tumour cells: the transferrin
receptor. In preliminary work, we have shown that untreated canine
brain tumours also express this marker. The primary aim of this
project is to establish whether brain tumours that have recurred
following treatment with radiation or surgery still express the
transferrin receptor. This information will allow us to determine
whether transferrin receptor targeted toxins should be used as the
primary form of treatment of brain tumours, or can be used to treat
recurrent tumours following more conventional therapy. We hypothesize
that brain tumours will express transferrin receptors at high levels
after treatment and therefore that transferrin-linked therapy can be
instituted in combination with more conventional therapy.
Final Report: Immunohistochemical staining for transferrin receptors
has been completed on brain tumours from 80 dogs. Analysis indicates
that transferrin receptors were expressed by all of the tumours. In
addition, collaboration with another group led to investigation of the
expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IFG-1R), and it
was determined that IFG-1R is also expressed very strongly in certain
types of brain cancers. This study also determined that a third
receptor (EGFR), is also expressed on many of the brain tumours. Each
of the various receptors that are expressed in different types of
brain cancers may lead to therapies targeted specifically to those
cancers.
CHF Grant # X65:
Identification and Characterization of Genetic Mutations in Canine Mast Cell Tumours
Principal Investigator: Cheryl London, DVM, PhD; University of California, Davis
The most common malignant tumour in dogs is the mast cell tumour (MCT, a form of skin cancer), occurring with an incidence of close to 20% in the canine population. MCTs range from relatively benign to extremely aggressive, leading to tumour spread and eventual death. Particular breeds of dog are at risk for the development of this tumour, indicating a role for genetic factors. We have previously identified mutations in the gene c-kit in 30-50% of dog MCTs. c-Kit plays a critical role in regulating the growth and function of normal mast cells, and as the mutations we discovered cause uncontrolled function of c-kit, it is likely they influence MCT development in dogs. This proposal will establish a prospective tumour registry of dog MCTs to be used for investigation of the true incidence of c-kit mutations within specific dog breeds. Moreover, the studied outlined in this grant will identify additional genetic mutations present in dog MCTs that can be used for the development of new targeted therapeutics. In summary, this work will provide a much more detailed understanding of dog MCTs, thereby building a framework for the development of new therapies and strategies for disease prevention.
Start date and duration: January, 2003, for two years
Recruitment is beginning for this study. Golden Retrievers affected with mast cell tumour(s) are eligible, and several tissue samples prepared in a specific way are required.
CHF
Grant # 1626 Significance of Tumour Suppressor Genes in Canine Cancer
Principal Investigator: Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD
AMC Cancer Research Centre
Lymphomas and leukemias (cancer of white blood cells), and melanomas (tumours
of pigmented cells responsible for skin colouring) are among the most
common cancers of dogs. These tumours can occur in any breed.
However, lymphoma and leukemia are especially common in Golden
Retrievers and Boxers, and melanoma is seen more often in Irish and
Gordon Setters, Standard and Miniature Schnauzers, Doberman Pinschers,
and Scottish Terriers, suggesting that these diseases may have a
hereditary component.
Like other tumours, lymphoma, leukemia, and melanoma arise from cells
that grow in an uncontrolled fashion. Normally, tumour suppressor
genes would constrain or eliminate these renegade cells, but mutation
can disable these genes in cancer cells, contributing to the
development and progression of cancer. This laboratory has
characterized the mechanisms that control tumour suppressor gene
function in canine cells. For these studies, the frequency of
mutations of two important tumour suppressor genes in canine melanoma
and lymphoma, will be examined. This will enable them, to
determine the relationship of tumour suppressor gene mutations with
the prevalence of these cancers in high-risk breeds, as well as with
prognosis and outcome. The results from the studies will provide tools
that may predict the risk of a dog or its offspring to develop these
devastating tumours. This information could have an immediate,
visible, and long-lasting impact on canine health, when used
judiciously for breeding decisions. Additionally, it may be useful in
the future, by paving the way towards the development of advanced
molecular therapies for canine cancer.
CHF Grant # 2025 Growth Signaling Pathways in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Canine
Cancer
Principal Investigator: Stuart Helfand, DVM
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin
Co-Investigator and Contact Person: Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD
AMC Cancer Research Centre
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a common cancer in dogs that originates from
cells lining the blood vessels. HSA can affect any dog, but is seen
more often in German Shepherds, Skye Terriers, and Golden Retrievers.
This suggests that this disease has a heritable component. Tumours
arise when cells respond inappropriately to growth factors, allowing
them to divide continuously in an uncontrolled fashion. Tumour
suppressor genes contain or eliminate these rapidly dividing cells,
but mutations in these genes can disable their ability to function
correctly. This laboratory is examining the idea that the loss
of function of one of these tumour suppressor genes, PTEN, leads to
the increased production of tumour growth factors. In their studies,
they will examine the frequency of the mutations in the PTEN gene from
dogs with HSA, and the relationship of these mutations to increased
production of a specific tumour growth factor, VEGF. The results of
their research could lead to tests for screening dogs for mutations in
PTEN, and information could have an immediate and long-lasting impact
on canine health when used judiciously for breeding decisions. They
will also test the function within these cells, as a treatment for HSA.
Such work may lead the way for the further development of novel
therapies for the treatment of canine hemangiosarcoma.
CHF Grant #2038: The Molecular Cytogenics of Canine
Lymphosarcoma:
Correlating Chromosomal Changes with Clinical Disease
Principal Investigator: Robert Dunstan, DVM, MS
Texas A & M University
Co-investigator: Matthew Breen, PhD
Animal Health Trust, Great Britain
Cancer kills. Twenty years ago, the diagnosis of lymphosarcoma
(a tumour of the lymph glands) in humans was almost invariably fatal.
However, with the development of improved means to sub-classify this
neoplasm and the tailoring of therapies that are subtype-specific,
more and more forms of lymphosarcoma are treatable. One of the
most important means of sub-classification of human tumours is based
on the identification of chromosome abnormalities. In the dog,
lymphosarcoma comprises one in five malignancies; however, the
extent and identity of chromosome aberrations is still unknown.
This is largely because the chromosomes of dogs were extremely
difficult to identify with confidence. Recently, we have
developed a set of canine chromosome-specific reagents that allow us
to identify conclusively every dog chromosome. We propose to use
these reagents to identify the chromosome aberrations associated with
dog lymphosarcoma and to investigate the correlation between these
aberrations and the clinical disease. Such an approach offers a
means to potentially sub-divide this diverse disease in dogs, thereby
offering new information of diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
Identification of specific chromosome aberrations will also help to
investigate the correlation between the genetic etiologies in dogs
with those in humans.
CHF Grant # 2254 Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in Canine Lymphoma and
Osteosarcoma
Principal Investigator: Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD
AMC Cancer Research Centre
Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph glands) and osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
are two common cancers of dogs with remarkable breed predisposition.
Lymphoma accounts for approximately 20% of all canine tumours, and
greater than 80% of cancer originating from blood cells. Osteosarcoma
is the most common bone tumour in dogs, accounting for 85% of skeletal
cancers. All cancers have a genetic basis, and in effect, these
conditions represent various diseases, each sharing one or a few
genetic abnormalities that contributes to overall risk and treatment
response. However, a means does not exist to identify individual
genes and larger regions within the genome that appear to be important
in canine cancer. For this project, we propose to confirm the
frequency and significance of these genetic anomalies in lymphoma and
osteosarcoma of Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Irish Setters, and
Bernese Mountain Dogs. This work will begin to determine which of
these anomalies may be heritable and which may be sporadic, and pave
the way to apply this knowledge for clinical benefits by providing
potential targets for treatment, and tools to determine individual
risk to develop these types of cancer or produce cancer-prone progeny.
This study has enrolled 24 dogs affected with
lymphoma (LSA) and 18 dogs affected with osteosarcoma (OSA), and their
first degree relatives. DNA from these tumours has been examined using
molecular cytogenetics (comparative genomic hybridization, or CGH.),
exploring the loss or amplification of selected oncogenes and tumour
suppressor genes (including p16, Rb, and PTEN). Preliminary data
indicate that the Rb tumour suppressor pathway is inactivated in all
cases of LSA, and is inactivated or compromised in all OSA cases.
Collaborations resulting from this study are ongoing with several
researchers, which permits maximum utilization resources. Intriguing
data is being generated that may help owners and treating
veterinarians make treatment decisions based on breed specific risks.
Recruitment for this study is ongoing. Owners of Goldens with lymphoma
or osteosarcoma are urged to participate. The owner will need to
submit biopsy samples, a blood sample, a pedigree, a signed consent
form, and agree to acceptable chemotherapy treatment. Blood samples
will also be needed from 2 unaffected first degree relatives (parents,
siblings, offspring). The biopsy sample must be prepared in a very
specific way, using a solution supplied by the researchers in advance.
Therefore, the researchers must be contacted at least a day or two
PRIOR to the surgery. This minor delay will not adversely affect the
outcome for the dog. In addition, the dog must not have started
treatment such as chemotherapy or prednisone before the biopsy. This
study has resulted in two manuscripts in preparation for peer reviewed
publications.
CHF Grant # 1626 Significance of Tumour Suppressor Genes in Canine Cancer
Principal Investigator: Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD
AMC Cancer Research Centre
Conclusions were that dogs with lymphoma and certain kinds of leukemia
express a receptor that is of interest in new approaches to treatment
of human hemolymphatic cancers. Therefore, research into developing
new targeted therapies for treatment of human cancers may possibly be
accomplished using dogs as a model of disease. This should benefit
dogs through the addition of human research money and effort toward
understanding canine lymphma and leukemia, and the potential
development of similar targeted treatments for canine cancers.
CHF Grant # 2646 Characterization of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Dysfunction in
Malignant Histiocytosis
Principal Investigator: Cheryl London, DVM, PhD, University of
California, Davis
Malignant histiocytosis (MH), while rare in people, occurs frequently
in certain breeds of dogs including Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers,
Flat-Coated Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. There is no
effective therapy for this disease and nearly all patients die within
2 to 4 months of diagnosis. The purpose of this proposal is to
evaluate MH tumour specimens for mutations in genes that may
contribute to the development of this devastating cancer. The genes of
interest are those that code for proteins known as growth factor
receptors. These proteins are present on the surface of the cell and
when stimulated by growth factors, signal into the cell promoting cell
survival and growth. Dysregulation of growth factor receptors is a
common mechanism through which normal cells undergo transformation
into cancer cells. Significant research has been directed towards the
development of inhibitors capable of blocking the function of
dysregulated receptors. Recent success of this approach has been
realized with the inhibitor
Gleevec in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia in people.
The purpose of this proposal is to identify growth factor receptors
that are dysregulated in MH to provide the foundation for future
clinical application of growth factor receptor inhibitors in the
treatment of MH. The study commenced in October 2003, for a duration
of 2 years. Dogs are actively being recruited, who have been diagnosed
with malignant histiocytosis.
Rhonda Hovan, author of "Perspectives" articles for The
Golden Retriever News Golden Retriever Club of America/Golden Retriever Foundation
Supported Canine Health Research Golden Retriever News; Vol. LV111, No. 6; November -
December 2001
OVC prof takes cancer research to new heights When Dr. Julius Liptak,
a recently-appointed assistant professor in small animal surgery
in OVC's Department of Clinical Studies, made the move from Colorado
to Guelph, the differences in elevation between the two areas
gave him some interesting food for thought. Now, with colleagues from
Colorado State University, he is embarking on the first study -
in veterinary or human medicine - to investigate the links between
rates of tumour growth and altitude. This study could lead to new
insights about how cancer progresses in people and animals. Liptak
explains that at higher altitudes, where there is less oxygen in the
air, the body responds by forming more blood vessels in order to
increase oxygen availability. Because of this, Liptak and his research
partners wonder if tumour
growth may also be more aggressive at higher altitudes. This study,
funded by OVC's Pet Trust Fund, will investigate the effects of
altitude on tumour growth by comparing dogs afflicted with bone
tumours in Ontario with those in the Colorado Rockies. The study will
involve dogs that come to the OVC's Small Animal Clinic for treatment,
as well dogs who receive treatment at the Animal Cancer Center at
Colorado State University. Both groups of dogs will be treated with
the same chemotherapy drugs - the same medication used to treat cancer
in humans.
The outcomes of treatment and the rate of spread of the disease will
be compared. Liptak hopes that the study will benefit both dogs and
humans, and he says this is often the case with cancer research.
“Cancer's cancer,” he says. “The way it forms and spreads is the same
in dogs and people.” In a unique new study that will benefit both
humans an animals, Dr. Julius Liptak (at right with dog Eastwood) is
investigating the effects of altitude on tumour growth.
Typically, he says, studying cancer in dogs and cats can shed light on
human disease - in a fraction of the time it would take to study the
same thing in humans. “The biological behaviour of certain cancers is
the same in humans as it is in animals,” he says. “But, in dogs and
cats, cancer spreads more quickly because oftheir shorter life span.
This means that we can see a lot more quickly how successfu a
treatment will be.” As well, Liptak says that veterinary medicine can
gain from the expanse of knowledge and research about human cancer. In
a second project funded by Pet Trust, he is investigating the effects
of pre-operative chemotherapy - chemotherapy treatment before surgery
to remove cancerous growths - in dogs with bone tumours. “In humans,
there is a higher survival rate if chemotherapy is administered before
surgery,” he says. “We'll see if this is a case where something that
works for humans
can also work for animals.” One might think that working with dogs
with cancer and their distressed
owners would be emotionally draining, but Liptak says it's just the
opposite. “When owners come in, they know their dogs have cancer,” he
says. “So every day you can give them after treatment is another day
they might not otherwise have had.
It's very rewarding. The treatment of cancer is rarely a negative
experience. Many patients will eventually succumb to the disease, but
with the good quality of life provided by anticancer treatments, each
day is precious.”
In a recent issue of the
"Golden Retriever News", Rhonda Hovan, breeder/exhibitor/judge
called upon every Golden Retriever Club of America member, to make a
personal financial commitment to support canine health research. Below,
you will find an abstract of each of the grants being carried out by the
Canine Health Foundation, that address an aspect of canine cancer. Each
of these studies holds great promise, not only for Golden Retrievers,
but for all pure breeds, but without sustained commitment from each of
us, studies like these, and studies being carried out right here, at the
University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College, will never achieve
their full potential, of being able to provide our dogs, whether pure
breed or mixed breed, with longer, healthier lives.
