|

|

"Once someone has had
the good fortune to share a true love affair with a
Golden Retriever, one's
life and one's outlook is never quite the
same."
~ Betty White ~
Dog Disease Research at Broad Institute
Broad Institute Studies
http://www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog/donate.html
Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) Update
MCTs are cancerous proliferations of mast cells.
Although they can and will spread throughout the
body, the danger from MCTs comes from the secondary
damage caused by the release of chemicals the tumors
produce. These chemicals can cause systemic problems
that include gastric ulcers, internal bleeding, and
a range of allergic manifestations. We have compared
the genomes of 88 Golden retrievers with MCT and 103
healthy Golden retrievers and are very excited to
have identified several regions of the genome that
appear to be inherited risk factors for mast cell
tumors in Golden retrievers. We are now validating
these results in more dogs and looking to identify
the exact gene and mutation that will allow the
development of genetic tests and better treatments.
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) Update
Hemangiosarcomas are rapidly growing and highly
invasive, blood-fed tumors. Blood vessels grow from
the tumor and often cause death through excessive
blood loss due to rupturing of the tumor. After
comparing the genomes of ~100 healthy dogs with ~100
dogs with HSA we were able to identify several areas
of the genome that were possible associated to
inherited HSA risk factors. Currently, five genes
found to be associated with the disease are being
searched for mutations. Once the mutations have been
identified and their presence in different breeds
assessed, this will allow for rapid development of
genetic tests for carriers of HSA.
We are also working with the European LUPA project,
a collaboration between 22 institutions in 11
countries, to map more than 20 traits including
cancers, inflammatory diseases, cardio-vascular
disease, neurological disease and other monogenic
traits. For more information please see
http://www.eurolupa.org/.
More information about some of our projects is
available at our website (www.dogdna.org).
If you have specific questions, please contact us at
dog-info@broad.mit.edu. Thank you again for all
of your help.
Best regards,
The Canine Genetics Group at the Broad Institute
|
|
SMILING BLUE SKIES ® IS FUNDING THE VERY FIRST
COMPANION ANIMAL CANCER REGISTRY IN NORTH AMERICA
Researchers at OVC are establishing
a population-based companion animal cancer registry.
The registry project will begin as a pilot project
focusing on all cancers within the dog and cat
population in the city of Guelph (but will be
expanded over time!). Cancer registries are an
integral part of human cancer research. However, for
companion animals, such registries do not exist in
North America. Population-based cancer registries
enable epidemiologists to study the occurrence of
cancer in the population and to make statements
when, where and why the occurrence of cancer is more
or less likely in the population. This is a huge
step forward and we could not do this without your
continued support. |
ROUSE MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP TO FUN COMPARATIVE CANCER RESEARCH The Ontario Veterinary College, in conjunction with the Institute for
Comparative Cancer Investigation at the University of Guelph, is
pleased to announce the call for applications for the Arthur Rousse
Memorial Senior Fellowship in Veterinary and Comparative Cancer
Studies. This endowed fellowship provides $60,000 per year salary
support for up to 3 years, to a highly qualified individual interested
in pursuing aspects of veterinary and comparative cancer at the
postdoctoral level.
The 2008 competition is particularly directed towards individuals with
research training who wish to gain further experience in comparative
cancer research at a veterinary institution. In conjunction with the
Institute for Comparative Cancer Investigation, including the Animal
Cancer Centre in the Teaching Hospital of the Ontario Veterinary
College, the incumbent will partake in research to examine aspects of
companion animal cancer such as diagnostic procedures, therapeutic
approaches, and cancer pathobiology.
Qualified individuals who hold the DVM/DMV/VMD/ and have completed a
PhD/DVSc and/or an oncology or related residency (e.g., anatomic or
clinical pathology, pharmacology, surgery, internal medicine,
oncology, radiation oncology), with a strong interest in veterinary
research are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals should
provide a detailed statement of research interests and career goals,
Curriculum Vitae highlighting the details of clinical training and
research accomplishments, and the names and contact information of
three referees.
Applications should be sent to:
Office of the Dean, Ontario Veterinary College
Attention Dr. R. Jacobs
University of Guelph
Guelph ON Canada N1G 2W1
Application Deadline: March 28, 2008, with an expected start date of
September 2008
|
From the GRCA Health &
Genetics Committee
One of the research studies that GRCA and the Golden
Retriever Foundation support is in urgent need of
blood samples from any registered Golden Retriever
that has (at any time in its life) been definitely
diagnosed with a mast cell tumor. The diagnosis must
have been confirmed with a pathology report, and the
dog must not have had any other malignancy.
Confidentiality will be maintained. Owners can
contact Dr. Cheryl London at
London.20@osu.edu
(preferred) or via phone 614-292-9554.
Please feel free to contact the GRCA Research
Facilitator, Rhonda Hovan, with any questions at
London.20@osu.edu
or 330-668-0044. |
Notice from the GRCA Health & Genetics Committee
The Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the NCSU
College of Veterinary
Medicine is recruiting cases for a funded research project,
which is investigating the potential role of selected flea-
and tick-borne bacteria as co-factors in the development of
lymphoma in Golden Retrievers. This two-year study is being
funded exclusively by the Golden Retriever Foundation and
the Canine Health Foundation.
The 1998 Golden Retriever Health Survey showed a
statistically significant decrease in lymphoma among Golden
Retrievers that had been treated with flea and tick
prevention products. This research project will examine one
mechanism by which these data might be explained - that
infection with Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and/or Anaplasma
species bacteria may predispose susceptible dogs to develop
lymphoma.
The purpose of this study is to search for evidence of
Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and/or Anaplasma infection in Golden
Retriever dogs with lymphoma, as compared to age- and
sex-matched Golden Retrievers from the same geographic
region. Obtaining identical samples from healthy control
dogs will be critical to the scientific evaluation of data
obtained from Golden Retrievers with lymphoma.
Click here to continue
reading this article, and download required documents
| To All Golden Owners:
Cancer Sample Donation Chart
Please download the PDF document
containing:
Contact
Information for Participation in Golden
Retriever Cancer Research
Click here to open or download |
URGENT
Blood samples
are needed from registered
Golden Retrievers diagnosed with a mast cell tumor.
| To All Golden Owners:
There has been some discussion and confusion in recent days regarding
recruitment of Goldens with hemangiosarcoma (and other cancers) to
donate blood and tissue samples for use in research, because owners
understandably want to be certain that these samples go to studies
that will benefit the breed. GRCA and the Golden Retriever
Foundation (GRF) have developed procedures to help ensure that the
scientific studies they support are held to the highest research
standards, and have the greatest likelihood of producing results that
will benefit dogs. These procedures begin with two levels of
scientific review at the Canine Health Foundation, followed by review
and recommendations from the GRCA Health & Genetics Committee (H&G),
and final review and funding decisions by the GRF. Once a project is
funded and underway, it is required to submit regular progress and
financial reports, which are reviewed by the Science Officer at CHF,
and by the H&G. These procedures have contributed to the excellent
track record of GRCA and GRF supported research producing results
that meet standards for publication in peer-reviewed scientific
journals; and indeed, some of this research is already benefiting
Goldens at the clinical level.
GRCA and GRF have recruitment notices for many of these studies
posted on their web sites, and every issue of the GRNews includes
contact information for the Research Facilitator for assistance and
referral to studies for which individual dogs may qualify. However,
perhaps by the very nature of worried owners of affected dogs who may
be looking for the latest and newest hope, it appears that these
notices may get overlooked in favor of "new bulletins" that can be
rapidly circulated on the Internet. This is understandable, but
sometimes can lead to confusion and perhaps inadvertent misdirection
of valuable blood, tissue, or DNA samples. In the most recent
example, it is our understanding that the research mentioned is
actually the same research for which GRCA and GRF notices have been
recruiting for some time, and already had collection procedures in
place. Adding an intermediary third party to the process has the
potential to separate owners from the scientists doing the research,
and to inadvertently introduce errors or omissions in the information
transfer.
We encourage owners to participate in research whenever possible, and
we suggest that the most efficient sample collection process is the
one supported by GRCA and GRF, in which the samples go directly to
the scientists involved in the research. At the present time, all
blood (and sometimes tumor samples) from Goldens with any form of
cancer can be sent to one researcher, Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD, who by
agreement then distributes the DNA to several different studies as
needed. These studies include, but are not limited to, those headed
by Dr Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Dr Matthew Breen, Dr Elaine Ostrander,
and Dr Stuart Helfand. Information regarding sample submission can
be obtained from Dr Modiano's website http://www.modianolab.org/
index.shtml or by contacting the Research Facilitator at
rhondahovan@aol.com.
In addition, blood samples only (not tissue) from both normal Goldens
and those with cancer, may be sent to Dr Lindblad-Toh, with further
information available at http://www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog/pdfs/
dog_project_info.pdf A complete listing of research recruitment
needs for studies funded through the Canine Health Foundation is
available online at
http://www.akcchf.org/research/participation.cfm
We hope that this will serve to clarify some of the questions we have
received in recent days, and we also intend to work on additional
procedures which will make it easier for owners to assist research
that benefits the breed. With the numerous research studies
currently ongoing, and many more in the planning stages, there are
excellent choices for owners who wish to donate samples - and best of
all, that means there is a whole lot of hope to go around!
Sincerely,
The Golden Retrieveer Club of America Board of Directors
The Golden Retriever Club of America Health & Genetics Committee
The Golden Retriever Foundation |
The 4th Genes Dogs and Cancer Conference, was held
on
September 14th to the 17th, 2006 at the
Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro, in
Chicago Illinois.
Conference Coordinators
Timothy Fan, Kevin Hahn, Chand Khanna, Jaime F.
Modiano, and Elaine Ostrander
Sponsored by Jeffrey Pepper, the French Bulldog Club
of America, Morris Animal Foundation,
the National Beagle Club, the Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals, the Soft Coated Wheaten
Terrier Club of America Endowment Fund and the
Starlight Fund
This conference brought together researchers,
veterinarians and breeders from around the
world to discuss advances in canine cancer research.
Join us to hear presentations on the
following four topics:
Host and Microenvironment: Genetics and Host
Interactions
Cancer Pathogenesis and Progression: Metastasis,
Angiogenesis and Cytogenetics
Discovery and Delivery: Cancer Care, Diagnostics,
Imaging, Therapy and Monitoring
Program Updates: Clinical Trials, Consortia,
Regulatory Agencies
Keynote speaker Dr. Janet Rowley and Distinguished
Speakers Drs. Elaine Ostrander, Tom
Rosol and Chand Khanna presented their research
on topics such as the molecular origins of
cancer, inherited cancers, metastasis and
comparative oncology translation and biology.
DOGS ARE KEY TO REVOLUTIONARY CANCER STUDY
CANINE CANCER PATIENTS HELP ADVANCE RESEARCH ON
PROMISING VACCINE
JOHN BERMAN
Dec. 3, 2007—
Kyra looks like any other energetic Rhodesian
Ridgeback dog, but she's also a cancer survivor --
and a reason for hope.
Two years ago, the 10-year-old canine's owner,
Eileen Eisenhower, noticed an eerily familiar lump
on Kyra's leg. Eileen is a nurse who treats human
cancer patients.
"I said, 'Oh, Kyra, you have lymphoma," Eisenhower
recalled lamenting. "I just knew it."
But Eisenhower converted her pain into promise,
enrolling Kyra in a revolutionary vaccine study at
the University of Pennsylvania, which had an
unlikely collaboration between canine veterinarians
and human oncologists.
Four million dogs are diagnosed with cancer every
year -- cancers very similar to the human versions.
"Down to the microscope, they look very similar and
they behave similarly," Dr. Robert Vonderheide at
the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of
Pennsylvania said.
And this translates into the most promising aspect
of this study: "They also respond to treatment very
similarly," Vonderheide points out.
One of the greatest advantages to studying dogs is
they age faster -- literally, in "dog years," so
scientists can get the results of their studies more
quickly.
"It's like a compressed biological life span that we
can study -- the cancer progression -- and also
potentially the response to therapy," said Dr. Karin
Sorenmo, associate professor of oncology at the
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary
Medicine.
In the study involving Kyra, doctors took genetic
material from a cancerous tumor, implanted it in
healthy infection-fighting b-cells outside the body
to train them to attack the lymphoma, and then
injected it back into Kyra.
Sorenmo was encouraged by the results. "I'm hoping
that this is just the beginning of more trials that
can benefit helping dogs, helping people."
Kyra is back to her hyperenergetic and healthy self.
She and a number of the dogs in the study are now
cancer-free. The researchers estimate they are
within two years of testing the vaccine on humans.
Without the dogs, they would be more than a decade
away.
"If we didn't have this information that we're
learning from vaccinating people's pets, we would
still be studying the vaccine in laboratory dishes
without a real hope of going forward in the near
future," Vondreheide said.
The researchers' optimism resonates on multiple
levels for Eisenhower, as a grateful dog owner and
dedicated cancer nurse.
"I hope that someday I can give this vaccine to
people and to kids -- and to, you know, let people
know how it started and where it came from,"
Eisenhower said.
She can tell them it came from man's best friend.
Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Robert Vonderheide, MD, D. Phil.
Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Cancer
Biology Programme and the Gene Therapy and Vaccines
Programme
University of Pensylvania School of Medicine
His office telephone number is 215-573-4265 and his
email addres is rhv@mail.med.upenn.edu
Dr. Vonderheide graduated from the University of
Notre Dame with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering in
1985 and from Oxford University, England , as a
Rhodes Scholar with a D.Phil. in immunology in 1989.
After graduating from Harvard Medical School in
1993, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine
at the Massachusetts General Hospital and
subsequently a clinical fellowship in hematology-oncology
at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He joined the
University of Pennsylvania in 2001 as assistant
professor in medicine and an investigator at the
Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute. He is
funded by the NIH, the Beckman Foundation, the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Alliance for
Cancer Gene Therapy.
Research Area: Infectious Disease
Breed: Golden Retriever
The Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at
the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine is
recruiting cases for a funded research project,
which is investigating the potential role of
selected flea- and tick-borne bacteria as co-factors
in the development of lymphoma in Golden Retrievers.
The 1998 Golden Retriever Health Survey showed a
statistically significant decrease in lymphoma among
Golden Retrievers that had been treated with flea
and tick prevention products. This research project
will examine one mechanism by which these data might
be explained - that infection with Bartonella,
Ehrlichia, and/or Anaplasma species bacteria may
predispose susceptible dogs to develop lymphoma.
The purpose of this study is to search for evidence
of Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and/or Anaplasma infection
in Golden Retriever dogs with lymphoma, as compared
to age- and sex-matched Golden Retrievers from the
same geographic region. Obtaining identical samples
from healthy control dogs will be critical to the
scientific evaluation of data
obtained from Golden Retrievers with lymphoma. Dr.
Ed Breitschwerdt
is the principal investigator and Ashlee Duncan is
the graduate
student responsible for the project. The entry
criteria for a case
include: Golden Retrievers with a new diagnosis of
lymphoma that have not received any antibiotics
within 14 days prior to sample collection (or 30
days for azithromycin). Samples should be collected
prior to induction of chemotherapeutic agents.
The minimum entry criteria for a control include:
Golden Retrievers residing within 100 miles of the
case dog and lacking clinical evidence of
lymphadenopathy, making the possibility of
undetected lymphoma unlikely. Additionally, these
control dogs must not have received any antibiotics
within 14 days prior to sample collection (or 30
days for azithromycin). For each case, two to three
control dogs will be utilized. If possible, these
healthy dogs should be similar in age (± 18 months)
and sex as the case dog. Healthy dogs may be
identified by the owner of the case dog, selected by
the case's attending veterinarian, or recruited
through the Golden
Retriever Club of America. Cases and controls
recruited will
receive free serological and molecular testing for
Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma (a $360.00
value based on current serology/ PCR testing costs
in our laboratory). Samples to be collected for this
research include whole blood, serum, lymph node
aspirate(s), and buccal swab(s).
Please contact us at 919-513-8279 or
awduncan@ncsu.edu for further information.
Research Area: Canine Cancer
Breeds: Akita, American Cocker Spaniel, Boxer,
Bullmastiff, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, English
Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel,
Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shepherd, Giant
Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Greyhound, Labrador
Retriever, Leonberger, Mastiff, Miniature Poodle,
Miniature Schnauzer, Pointer, Pug, Rottweiler,
Scottish Terrier, Standard Poodle, Standard
Schnauzer, Toy Poodle
After completing the dog genome sequencing
project, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and
collaborators are now working on identifying disease
genes predisposing to cancer. Identification of such
genes could lead to carrier testing, a better
understanding of the disease and long term better
treatments for the disease in both dogs and humans.
More information can be found at:
www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog
http://www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog.
For each of the below diseases researchers need
blood samples from affected dogs as well as blood
samples from healthy older (>6 yo) dogs.
Mammary tumors
PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh Broad and Elizabeth
McNiel, U. Minnesota
Focus: English Springer Spaniel
Additional breeds included: German Shepherds, Cocker
Spaniels and Boxers
Please contact:
Dog-info@broad.mit.edu
Melanoma
PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh Broad and Phil Bergman,
Animal Medical Center, NY Breeds included: ALL
including Scottish Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Black
Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and
Pugs
Please contact:
Dog-info@broad.mit.edu
Lymphoma
PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Broad
Focus: Golden Retrievers, Boxers
Additional breeds included: Cocker Spaniel,
Rottweiler, Akita, Flat- Coated Retriever
Please contact:
Dog-info@broad.mit.edu
Mast cell tumors
Collaborators: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Broad and
Cheryl London, UC Davis
Focus: Pugs and Chinese Shar-Pei
Additional breeds included: Pit Bull Terrier,
Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German
Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Boxer
Please contact:
Dog-info@broad.mit.edu
Researchers at the AMC Cancer Research Center and
University of Colorado Health Science Center are
looking for samples for the following projects:
Lymphoma
Researchers need samples from any dog that has an
AKC registration number.
Eligible dogs will undergo standard of care
treatment and provide blood samples as well.
Availability of 2 or more unaffected relatives that
are >6 years old is desirable. They also would
encourage people who have dogs that are related to
study subjects that are affected to participate.
Owners of all dogs will be asked to fill out a
follow-up questionnaire.
Hemangiosarcoma
Researchers need blood samples from affected dogs
for a study to map susceptibility genes. In some
cases, samples may be applied to the development of
a diagnostic test for hemangiosarcoma. Eligible dogs
must have an AKC registration number. Owners of all
dogs will be asked to fill out a follow-up
questionnaire.
Visit
www.modianolab.org
http://www.modianolab.org
for additional information on these programs.
Thank you for your attention.
INNOVATIVE SCREENING & TREATMENT PROGRAMME AVAILABLE FOR CANINE
LYMPHOMA CANCER
 Important Breakthrough in the Treatment of One of the Biggest Cancer
Killers in Dogs is a British First
October 23, 2006, Nottingham, England ----PR Newswire ---- AN
EFFECTIVE and innovative screening, detection and treatment programme
for canine lymphoma, one of the most prolific cancers in dogs has been
announced by PetScreen, a pioneering British bioscience company. It
is the first of its kind to be made commercially available from
PetScreen’s Veterinary Cancer Programme, which was launched in the
United States in January and in the UK in April at leading veterinary
conference and congress events. The lymphoma screen comes after
extensive research by PetScreen in both British and North American
markets into canine
cancer, and will be available through selected veterinary
hospitals and primary practices in both markets. The screen itself is
based on technology which has emerged post the sequencing of both the
human and canine genome and enables malignancies to be detected
earlier, when treatment has the best chance of success.
Inexpensive, convenient and minimally invasive the screen relies on a
small blood serum sample. PetScreen has developed advanced
‘proteomic’ technology uniquely for companion animals, specifically
canine at this moment. Their system looks for characteristic patterns
to detect lymphoma biomarkers from the blood ‘fingerprint’. Ideally,
a mature puppy would be sampled at twelve months, thereafter yearly,
but in high risk breeds a six monthly screen is recommended. In
addition, any dog which may have been treated for lymphoma should be
screened bi-annually for recurrence.
UK published evidence says that 25% of all cancers in dogs is
attributed to lymphoma. High risk breeds in both the UK and US for
lymphoma cancer include golden and flat-coated retrievers, german
shepherds, bull mastiffs and certain breeds of spaniels, including
English and Irish water spaniels. At risk breeds include boxers,
Bernese mountain dogs and rottweilers. Whilst this list is by no
means exhaustive the screen should be regarded as part of an overall
wellness programme for all breeds. If cancer is detected, a combined
rapid histopathology and individualised chemotherapy programme is
available which helps select the most effective treatment for each
individual patient. PetScreen’s Directed Chemotherapy Assay (DCA)
highlights resistance from the start and identifies the treatment most
likely to be effective from the start. PetScreen is one of a new
generation of companies to utilise
technologies which are emerging as a result of genome research.
Using advanced bio-marker technology linked to state-of-the-art mass
spectrometry, robotics and unique neural software, the serum sample
creates the fingerprint which patterns proteins in the blood and
enables cancers to be identified. The problems associated with the
late detection of cancers are well understood, and whilst proteomic
screening is still at an early stage in humans, the work that
PetScreen are undertaking in the canine world could have a significant
impact on human cancer screening in the very near future.
www.pet-screen.com:
PetScreen: Detecting and Treating Cancer BioCity Pennyfoot Street
Nottingham NG1 1GF United Kingdom

Professor Graeme Radcliffe
Chairman PetScreen Limited
BioCity Nottingham
Pennyfoot Street
Nottingham
NG1 1GF
UK
graeme.radcliffe@btconnect.com
www.pet-screen.com
tel: 08000 284 811 (Free - UK Only)
fax: 0115 912 4431
mobile: +44 (0)115 912 4430
+44 (0)115 912 4431
07785 238427
|
Auburn to Study Treatment for Lymphoma in Dogs
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/dec06/061201i.asp
Auburn University has received $1.4 million from the
National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes
of Health to study a new therapy for lymphoma in
dogs.
Researchers plan to modify a nonreplicating virus,
administer the virus to dogs with lymphoma, and
administer a drug to the dogs. The virus will infect
lymphoma cells and then encode a protein to convert
the drug into a toxin to kill the cells.
Lymphoma is the third most common cancer in dogs.
Average life expectancy for dogs undergoing
chemotherapy is about one year.
Without any treatment, life expectancy is about two
months from the time of diagnosis.
The grant from the National Cancer Institute covers
two years of laboratory work and three years of
clinical trials.
Dr. Bruce Smith, with the College of Veterinary
Medicine's Scott- Ritchey Research Center, is
leading the study. Auburn co- investigators include
Drs. Curtis Bird, Mary Lynn Higginbotham, Annette
Smith, and Elizabeth Whitley.
The
Golden Retriever Club of America is pleased to
announce that Golden Retrievers will be one of the
pilot breeds currently eligible for participation in
a new DNA database. The mapping of the canine genome
is expected to have a significant impact on research
activities regarding canine genetic disease, and
thus there is growing interest among breed clubs and
breeders to establish a DNA bank to facilitate
research and future disease testing on individual
dogs. In response to this evolving need, CHIC
(Canine Health Information Center) and OFA have
established a DNA bank and database designed to
serve both breeders and researchers.
This DNA
database will serve the canine research community by
providing researchers with optimized family groups
needed for specific research studies, and will
facilitate more rapid progress in research by
expediting the sample collection process. It will
also allow breeders to take advantage of future
DNA-based disease tests as they become available,
with the ability to test both current breeding dogs,
and important dogs of the past whose DNA is stored
in the bank. Researchers funded by such
organizations as the Canine Health Foundation and
Morris Animal Foundation can apply to use this DNA
for specific studies; and owners will have access to
their dog's DNA for DNA-based disease testing.
DNA
databases are most useful when the DNA is linked to
both a health history (including but not limited to
phenotypic health "clearances"), and to a pedigree.
This provides researchers with the ability to select
the samples that are of interest to particular
studies, by searching the database for dogs that
meet specific eligibility criteria. However, all
individual dogs, pedigrees, and owners will be coded
for anonymity, which can be waived only by the
owner. Privacy will be carefully protected according
to the instructions of the owner. The owner will
also be provided with an individual access code
which will permit him or her to update the health
history over the lifetime of the dog, since many
health conditions of interest may not have developed
at the time the dog was entered into the database.
DNA can be
collected through either a blood sample, or by using
buccal (cheek) swabs. Blood samples provide an
almost unlimited supply of DNA, while buccal swabs
provide adequate DNA for a number of health studies
and testing, although significantly less than blood
samples.
Double the
Benefit!
In addition to
collecting blood samples at the National for future
research to be stored in the DNA bank, a current
study supported by the Golden Retriever Foundation
and GRCA will also be collecting blood samples at
the National Specialty. This important research is
being conducted at the Broad Institute of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is
attempting to identify genes involved in
osteosarcoma and other cancers in Goldens. In a
cooperative effort to double the usefulness of each
sample, dogs may contribute to both programs with
only one blood sample, which will be shared (with
the owner's permission) between the DNA bank and the
Broad Institute's canine genomic research team.
As part of
GRCA's participation as a pilot breed, CHIC/OFA will
send a representative to the 2005 National Specialty
to assist with enrolling as many Goldens as possible
into the database. There will be volunteers on site
to draw blood or assist with buccal swab
collections, and computer capability to process the
dog into the database. There will be no charge to
enroll a dog in the DNA database at the National
Specialty! In addition, for the first 12 months,
there will be no charge to enroll dogs using buccal
swabs providing the dog has a CHIC certificate (see
http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/ )
Your
participation in this important database will assist
health research for decades to come, and we urge
everyone to enroll as many dogs as possible in both
of these programs. Please come to the collection
center on the grounds of the National Specialty on
Wednesday or Thursday, September 28 or 29, and show
your support for a healthier future for Golden
Retrievers. Owners not attending the National are
also strongly encouraged to participate in the DNA
bank, with enrollment information available on the
GRCA website at
www.grca.org (link coming soon) or by writing to
edziuk@offa.org Costs are $10 using buccal swabs
(free for CHIC dogs until Sept, 2006), and $25 using
blood samples.
Please Spread
the Word!
Patient Disease: Canine
Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Study Name: Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma Vaccine Study
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is
to evaluate the effectiveness, and to establish the most
appropriate dose of a vaccine intended to inhibit the growth
of new blood vessels in tumours. The vaccine is prepared
using the DNA from human blood vessel growth factors. Using
this specially prepared vaccine, we hope to stimulate a
canine patient's immune system to make antibodies against
newly forming blood vessels in a tumour.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these studies
are available to qualifying patients living within 100 miles
of the Animal Cancer Centre at Colorado State University.
The patient must have the disease of soft tissue
sarcoma, which has been confirmed by biopsy. The soft
tissue sarcoma must be measurable and accessible to
biopsy. The disease may not have spread to any other area
of the body. In order to qualify for this study, treatment
prior to presentation to the Animal Cancer Centre must
have been very limited. The patient is not to have received
radiation therapy, any chemotherapy, or any holistic medical
treatment for soft tissue sarcoma prior to entry into the
study. The patient must not have received steroids or NSAIDs
for four weeks before presentation. No other medical
conditions may be present that might limit the patient's
life. No additional medication may be given once the
patient is enrolled in the study. For more information
regarding entry criteria, please contact the
Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
Owner Responsibilities: After the initial diagnostic
visit, the client is required to bring the patient
to regularly scheduled visits for treatment and evaluation
for up to a year. The client must allow a total of three
biopsies to be taken (one pre-treatment and two during
treatment) to assess the patient's response to the vaccine.
These biopsy procedures require the patient to be profoundly
sedated or anesthetized. No additional medication may be
given once the patient is enrolled in the study.
Procedures or treatments unrelated to the study will be the
owner's financial responsibility.
Financial Incentives: The owner pays for the initial
diagnostic work up, usually $300 to $400. The study pays
for all treatment procedures and for all evaluation recheck
visits for a period of one year. For more information
regarding financial incentives, please contact the Consult
Coordinator at
970-297-4195.
Patient
Disease: Canine Hemangiosarcoma of the Spleen
Study Name: Hemangiosarcoma Metronomic Chemotherapy
Study
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study
is to evaluate the effectiveness of metronomic
chemotherapy for the treatment of canine splenic hemangiosarcoma.
Metronomic chemotherapy is a method of delivering
chemotherapeutic agents at lower doses, but
administering the doses more often. This study is
designed as a randomized clinical trial. There are two
treatment groups. One group receives doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
chemotherapy every two weeks for five treatments.
The other group receives metronomic chemotherapy using
etoposide, cyclophosphamide, and piroxicam.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these
studies are available to qualifying patients
living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centre at
Colorado State University. The patient must have the
disease of hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, which has been
confirmed by biopsy and histopathology. The spleen must
be surgically removed and the disease may not
have spread to any other area of the body. In order to
qualify for this study, the patient is not to have
received radiation therapy, any chemotherapy, or any
holistic medical treatment for splenic hemangiosarcoma
prior to entry into the study. The patient must not
have received steroids, like prednisone, for three weeks
prior to presentation. No other medical conditions may
be present that might prevent the patient
from completing the study. No additional medication
related to the disease may be given once the patient is
enrolled in the study. For more information regarding
entry criteria, please contact the Consult Coordinator
at 970-297-4195.
Owner Responsibilities: This study requires
frequents visits to the Animal Cancer
Centre. The client must schedule and keep all
appointments related to the study. Should the owner
decide to withdraw from the study, the owner assumes
responsibility for all costs incurred.
Financial Incentives: The owner pays for the
initial diagnosis and surgical treatment of
the disease. Additionally, the owner is responsible for
the cost of the staging tests used to determine if the
patient meets the eligibility requirements of the study
(usually about $600). Once eligible, the study pays for
all study-related examinations, tests, and
chemotherapy treatments for up to one year. For more
information regarding financial incentives, please
contact the Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
Patient Disease: Canine Osteosarcoma of a Limb
Study Name: Osteosarcoma and Meloxicam Study
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study
is to evaluate the benefits of the drug meloxicam in the
postoperative pain management of canine patients with
osteosarcoma.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these
studies are available to qualifying patients
living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centre at
Colorado State University. Eligible patients are dogs
with histologically confirmed osteosarcoma of an
extremity. The patient's treatment plan must include
amputation of the effected limb followed by
doxorubicin (Adriamycin) chemotherapy. Diagnostic
evaluation must indicate no spread of cancer in the
patient. Additionally, the patient must have
no pre-existing heart condition that would make
doxorubicin an inappropriate choice for treatment.
Patients may not have concurrent disease that might
prevent them from completing the study.
Owner Responsibilities: This study pays only the
cost of meloxicam. The client is responsible for all
costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of the
patient's cancer, and for all costs related to
complications that might arise as a result of treatment
of the patient's cancer.
Financial Incentives: This study pays only the
cost of meloxicam. For more information regarding
financial incentives, please contact the Consult
Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
Patient
Disease: Canine Patients with Biopsy Confirmed Cancer
Study Name: Silibinin for Canine Tumours
Purpose of the Study: Silibinin is the active
ingredient in the herbal compound milk thistle. In
mouse and human tumour cells, silibinin has been shown
to inhibit the growth of many types of tumours. In this
study we will determine the maximum dose of silibinin
that can be safely given to tumour bearing dogs. We
will also investigate how effective this compound is in
the canine patient.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these
studies are available to qualifying patients
living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centre at
Colorado Sate University. The patient will be screened
by a variety of diagnostic tests as well as undergo a
small biopsy procedure. The owner is
financially responsible for tests to meet entry
criteria. The patient entry criteria
are as follows:
1. Dogs with a histologically confirmed malignant
tumour that is in a location that is easily biopsied.
2. Conventional therapy must have been declined by the
owner, or must have failed.
3. Dogs must be free of other life threatening disease.
4. Dogs may not have received chemotherapy within two
weeks prior to study entry.
5. Dogs may not have received radiation therapy within
six weeks prior to study entry.
6. Other medications are generally acceptable as long
as they were begun before entry into the study.
7. Dogs must have relatively normal blood work
Owner Responsibilities: Owners are responsible
for delivering the study medication (a powder that can
be mixed in a small amount of food) three times
daily. Owners are required to make and keep all
appointments. Following the initial visit, the patient
will be required to return after one week and
then again two weeks later. The owner is financially
responsible for the initial tests to see if the patient
qualifies for the study, and any costs that follow the 3
week recheck.
Financial Incentives: The study will pay for the
blood tests and biopsy at the beginning of the study,
and the one week and three week recheck appointments.
The drug costs will be covered during the three week
study period. After this time, if a patients disease is
stable or improved, the drug will continue to be
available at no cost; however, a small distribution fee
will be assessed by the Pharmacy.
Patient Disease: Canine Mast Cell Tumour Disease
Study Name: Novel Drug Trial for Mast Cell Tumors
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study
is to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of a
novel drug to control grade II and III mast cell tumours
in the canine patient.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these
studies are available to qualifying patients
living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centre at
Colorado State University. The patient entry criteria
are as follows:
1. Canine patients with one or several mast cell
tumours (grade II or III) that have returned after
surgery or have been described as non-resectable.
2. Dogs must be older than six months of age and weigh
more than 7 pounds.
3. If patients have received chemotherapy, steroids, or
had surgery, the study will be delayed by 2 weeks.
4. Dogs that have received radiation therapy must wait
6 weeks before beginning the study.
5. The patient may not have spread of the disease to
the lymph nodes or other site.
6. Blood work must be relatively normal.
7. Dogs must be free of other life threatening disease.
Owner Responsibilities: The owner is responsible
for the initial examination fee. The owner must
schedule and keep all appointments as dictated by the
study. The owner must administer the study medication
on a daily basis, and must keep a treatment diary, for
up to six months.
Financial Incentives: The patient will be
screened by a variety of diagnostic tests and
may undergo a small biopsy procedure. A portion of the
cost of these tests will be paid for by the study. Upon
entry into the study, the study pays for subsequent
screening visits and diagnostic tests as well as all of
the treatment visits.
Patient Disease: Canine patients with a Biopsy
Confirmed Malignant Tumour
Study Name: Canine PEG -TNF Study
Purpose of the Study: PEG-TNF is a new
formulation of a naturally occurring human hormone. In
this study we will determine the maximum dose of PEG -TNF
that can be safely given to tumour bearing dogs. We
will also investigate how effective this compound is on
tumours, that is, their size, the blood flow within
tumours and on the tumour cells themselves.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these
studies are available to qualifying patients
living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centre at
Colorado State University. The patient will be screened
by a variety of diagnostic tests and may undergo a small
biopsy procedure. The owner is financially
responsible for tests to meet entry criteria. The
patient entry criteria are as follows:
1. Dogs with a histologically confirmed malignant
tumour that is in a location that is easily biopsied.
2. Dogs must be free of other life threatening disease.
3. Dogs must have relatively normal blood work.
4. Patients may not have received steroids or NSAIDs
(aspirin-like drugs) for 72 hours prior to entry.
5. Dogs may not have received chemotherapy within two
weeks prior to study entry.
6. Dogs may not have received radiation therapy within
6 weeks prior to study entry.
7. Candidates must weigh at least 25 pounds.
8. Owners must agree to a postmortem examination
(autopsy) at the time of the pet's death or euthanasia.
Owner Responsibilities: Owners are financially
responsible for the diagnostic tests that determine if
the patient qualifies for the study. Owners are
required to make and keep all appointments.
Following the initial visit, the patient will be
required to return 4, 7, and 21 days after
treatment. Owners must comply with the study protocol.
It will be necessary for the patient to submit to having
blood samples drawn, the tumour biopsied, and
hospitalization. A Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) may
be requested in certain cases. The patient must be
anesthetized for a MRI.
Financial Incentives: Once the patient has
satisfied the eligibility requirements for the
study, all costs associated with the study will be
paid. Additionally, a $250.00 VTH credit will be applied
toward any future treatments.
__________________________________________________________
 
Jaime F. Modiano, V.M.D., PH. D.
Scientist, Centre for Cancer Causation and
Prevention
AMC Cancer Research Centre
Associate Professor, Department of Immunology
University of Colorado Health Sciences Centre
303-239-3408
modianoj@amc.org
Dr. Modiano's lab, is interested in
understanding basic differences between
normal cells and tumour cells. Their
ultimate goal is to reduce the morbidity and
mortality associated with cancer in humans
and animals.? As they learn more about how
cancer cells differ from normal cells, they
can exploit these differences to improve
diagnosis and treatment and devise better
methods of prevention. The
purpose of their website, is to provide
information for individuals seeking to learn
more about cancer, to facilitate recruitment
into ongoing studies, and to foster
communication among scientists interested in
Cancer Biology, Immunology, and
Immunotherapy. Vistoris to their website,
will find links to publications, study
information and recruitment materials,
methods and reagents, collaborators, and
other useful sites that have cancer
information.
Suggestions and feedback are welcome at
info@modianolab.org__________________________________________________________

Oral Antimitotic Agent for Dogs with Lymphoma
|
Animal Cancer
Institute
Studies
Since its inception the Animal Cancer Institute
and its Network of veterinary oncologists have
offered cutting edge treatment options. The
Animal Cancer Institute Network is based in
Washington, DC and extends across the United
States with sites in California, Connecticut,
Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey,
New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington .
It is the goal of the Animal Cancer Institute to
provide more effective and less toxic options
for the treatment of cancer. Collaboration with
the pharmaceutical industry allows these options
to be provided, in many cases, at substantially
reduced costs. For more information on the
therapeutic diet clinical study for cats with
lymphoma, and the Animal Cancer Institute, visit
our website at:www.animalcancerinstitute.com.
|
The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC
Cutting edge options for cancer
C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM
T. Rusk DVM
For more information, contact
Jennifer Turner:
Phone: 202-363-7300
Fax: 202-363-7126
Email:jturner@animalcancerinstitute.com
|
| |
|
You may register your clinic to receive
electronic updates on trials available to your
clients. Registration for eTrial Updates is
available at our website, www.animalcancerinstitute.com.
|
|
Oral Antimitotic Agent for Dogs with Lymphoma
|
|
Eligibility Criteria Include: |
-
measurable, cytologically diagnosed NH lymphoma
(histology collected at study entry)
-
any clinical stage but must have nodal
involvement- includes relapsed cases
-
favorable performance score
-
no concurrent chemotherapy (within 14 days of
trial entry)
-
no concurrent radiation therapy (within 21 days
of trial entry)
-
concurrent use of corticosteroids accepted
providing treatment duration is greater than 21
days and/or no clinical improvement is noted.
Measurable disease defined by examination,
radiographs, ultra-sound, CT or MRI scan
Trial Design:
Diagnostic and staging tests may be performed at any
veterinary hospital within 10 days of initiation of
study:
-
Serum biochemistry
-
CBC
-
Urinalysis
-
Thoracic and abdominal radiographs
Patients will be treated at a participating Animal
Cancer Institute Network clinic. Lymph node biopsies
will be required at entry, Day 7, first objective
response and at progression or relapse.
Trial Support/Funding Includes:
-
Laboratory, biopsy and professional fees (as
required for the study) from time of enrollment
through Day 56 (additional monthly exams beyond
Day 56 will be owner?s financial responsibility)
-
Oral Antimitotic agent through Day 56 (beyond
Day 56, additional monthly shipments of study
drug supply will be billed to the
clinic/investigator at a rate of $50 per
shipment)
Dogs will receive the oral medication over a 4-week
initial phase. Continued therapy will be available
pending response to therapy. Long-term follow-up
recheck examinations will be performed monthly. |
__________________________________________________________

Antiangiogenic Therapy for Dogs with Measurable
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
|
|
Animal Cancer Institute Studies
Since its inception the Animal Cancer Institute
and its Network of veterinary oncologists have
offered cutting edge treatment options. The
Animal Cancer Institute Network is based in
Washington, DC and extends across the United
States with sites in California, Connecticut,
Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey,
New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington .
|
The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC
Cutting edge options for cancer
C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM
T. Rusk DVM
Study Monitor? Kate Cadorette
Phone: 202-363-7300 Fax: 202-363-7126
Email:kcadorette@animalcancerinstitute.com
|
|
Trial eligibility criteria include:
-
client owned pet dogs
-
measurable, histologically confirmed soft tissue
sarcomas, not including hemangiosarcomas
-
tumors must be accessible for histopath
collection and objective measurement using
direct caliper measurement, ultrasound,
radiographs or CT/MRI scan.
-
favorable clinical performance status at entry
(expected to remain clinically stable for 30
days).
-
no previous exposure to antiangiogenic therapies
-
no chemotherapy within 14 days of trial entry
-
no radiation therapy administered within 21 days
of trial entry
-
corticosteroids and non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory agents ok to continue if
patient has been receiving for >14 days at time
of study entry
|
Trial Support/Funding Includes:
-
Antiangiogenic peptide provided at no charge
-
Biopsy (as required at trial initiation,
date of first objective response and date of
relapse)
-
MRI at study entry, and every 3 months
through Day 180 for selected patients
All patients must be evaluated and treated
through a participating Animal Cancer Institute
Network site, monthly.
Diagnostic and staging tests may be performed at
any veterinary hospital within 10 days of
initiation (full serum chemistry, CBC, U/A and
thoracic radiographs).
Dogs will receive a supply of medication for
in-home, daily subcutaneous injection or will be
treated at a representative clinic every 14 days
with a depot injection. Continued therapy will
be available pending response to therapy.
All examination, tumor imaging and other
diagnostic costs are patient?s responsibility.
Cases which relapse or are refractory following
>30 days on antiangiogenic therapy will be
eligible to receive open label gemcitabine
therapy. Gemcitabine will be provided at no
charge - all other costs associated with drug
examination and drug administration will be
owner responsibility. Assessment of response
will be made following the first cycle of
therapy and consideration for a
2nd cycle will be made based on patient
response.
|
__________________________________________________________

Participants Needed for Genetics Study of Canine
Osteosarcoma
|
The Animal Cancer Institute in cooperation with
the AMC Cancer Research Center is looking for
assistance in a canine cancer research study.
The project involves collection of
histopathology samples on purebred dogs with
osteosarcoma. The purpose of the analysis is to
determine how genes impact the development of
osteosarcoma in dogs.
|
|
Study eligibility criteria include:
-
Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Scottish
Deerhounds and Mastiffs with known pedigrees
can participate in this study. Other breeds
may be eligible upon approval by the Animal
Cancer Institute.
-
Dogs must have a diagnosis of appendicular
osteosarcoma (Grades I-II), with no evidence
of metastatic disease.
-
There must be at least two unaffected
first-degree relatives of the affected dog
(parents, siblings, or offspring) that will
consent to participation through the
donation of 10-15 ml of EDTA-anticoagulated
blood (samples from unaffected relatives are
not required at the time of diagnosis or
sample submission from the affected
patient).
-
Informed owner consent form authorizing
pre-treatment excisional biopsy (to be
collected in a medium supplied by the AMC),
and commitment for treatment with an
acceptable protocol (e.g. amputation or
limb-sparing surgery and systemic
chemotherapy with Cisplatin, Carboplatin,
Adriamycin, or a combination thereof).
Trial Support/Funding Includes:
For more information please contact Jen Turner at
the Animal Cancer Institute (202) 363-7300 or see
our website at:
www.animalcancerinstitute.com |
__________________________________________________________

Patient Disease: Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma
Study Name: Melanoma Vaccine Study
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to determine if
stimulating a patient's immune system in a very specific way will
prolong survival times in dogs with oral melanoma. Also, to
determine
if this specific immune system stimulation will inhibit new blood
vessel formation in the tumour environment.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these studies are available to
qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer
Centre
at Colorado State University. The patient must have the disease of
oral melanoma which has been confirmed by biopsy. The disease may
have
spread to area lymphnodes, but must not have spread to the lungs.
The
oral melanoma tumour masses must be accessible for therapeutic
injection and surgical removal. No other medical conditions may be
present that might limit the patient's life. The patient is not
allowed to have received radiation therapy or any chemotherapy prior
to
presentation. No additional medication may be given once the
patient
is enrolled into the study. For more information regarding entry
criteria, please contact the Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
Owner Responsibilities: The client must allow a biopsy to be
performed
prior to admission into the study to confirm the diagnosis of oral
melanoma. After the initial diagnostic visit, the client is
required
to bring the patient to regularly scheduled visits for treatment and
rechecks (on two occasions, visits will be four days apart) for up
to a
year after treatment. At each visit of the treatment phase, the
patient may receive sedatives or general anesthesia to facilitate
therapy. No additional medication may be given once the patient is
enrolled into the study.
Financial Incentives: The owner pays for the initial diagnostic
work
up. The study pays for all treatment visits and for any adverse
events that may occur as a direct result of the treatment
injections.
Additionally, the study will pay $750 toward the cost of surgical
removal of the tumour. It is required that the tumour be surgically
removed during the course of therapy. For more information
regarding
financial incentives, please contact the Consult Coordinator at
970-297-4195.
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to determine if
stimulating a patient's immune system in a very specific way will
prolong survival times in dogs with oral melanoma. Also, to
determine if this specific immune system stimulation will inhibit
new blood vessel formation in the tumour environment.
_______________________________________________________________

Patient Disease: Canine Cancer Patients
Study Name: Chemotherapy and Its Effect on Adaptive Immunity
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how
the immune system is affected by chemotherapeutic agents.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these studies are available to
qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer
Centre at Colorado State University. Eligible patients are canine
cancer patients beginning specific chemotherapy protocols. The
patient must be prescribed to begin one of the following
chemotherapy protocols: Adriamycin alone; Madison-Wisconsin
multi-drug protocol; or specific protocols involving
carboplatin, or cisplatin. Patients may not have
received chemotherapy or steroids within two weeks of starting this
study. Additionally, patients may not have concurrent disease that
might prevent them from completing the study.
Owner Responsibilities: This study pays only the cost of blood
tests related to the study. The client is responsible for all costs
related to the treatment of the patient's cancer, and for all costs
related to complications that might arise as a result of treatment
of the patient's cancer. All blood samples related to the study
must be collected at the Animal Cancer Centre.
Financial Incentives: This study pays the cost of blood tests
related to the study. For more information regarding financial
incentives, please contact the Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
__________________________________________________________

Patient Disease: Canine patients with soft tissue sarcoma.
Study Name: Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma Vaccine Study
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the
effectiveness, and to establish the most appropriate dose of a
vaccine intended to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels in
tumours. The vaccine is prepared using the DNA from human blood
vessel growth factors. Using this specially prepared vaccine, we
hope to stimulate a canine patient's immune system to make
antibodies against newly forming blood vessels in a tumor.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these studies are available to
qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer
Center at Colorado State University. The patient must have the
disease of soft tissue sarcoma, which has been confirmed by biopsy.
The soft tissue sarcoma must be measurable and accessible to biopsy.
The disease may not have spread to any other area of the body. In
order to qualify for this study, treatment prior to presentation to
the Animal Cancer Centre must have been very limited. The patient is
not to have received radiation therapy, any chemotherapy, or any
holistic medical treatment for soft tissue sarcoma prior to entry
into the study. The patient must not have received steroids (like
prednisone) or NSAIDs (like carprofen) for four weeks before
presentation. No other medical conditions may be present that might
limit the patient's life. And no additional medication may be given
once the patient is enrolled into the study. For more information
regarding entry criteria, please contact our Consult Coordinator at
970-297-4195.
Owner Responsibilities: After the initial diagnostic visit, the
client is required to bring the patient to regularly scheduled
visits for treatment and evaluation for up to a year. The client
must allow a total of three biopsies to be taken (one pre-treatment
and two during treatment) to assess the patientís response to the
vaccine. These biopsy procedures require the patient to be
profoundly sedated or anesthetized. No additional medication may be
given once the patient is enrolled into the study. Procedures or
treatments unrelated to the study will be the owner's financial
responsibility.
Financial Incentives: The owner pays for the initial diagnostic
work up, usually $300 to $400. The study pays for all treatment
procedures and for all evaluation recheck visits for a period of one
year. For more information regarding financial incentives, please
contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
________________________________________________________

Patient Disease: Canine patients with melanoma, hemangiosarcoma,
or
osteosarcoma 
Study Name: Interferon Tau Study
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to collect
tolerability (toxicity), immune response and preliminary
effectiveness information for the administration of Interferon Tau
in canine cancer patients. The information generated by this study
will then be used to design a larger study comparing
standard-of-care therapy to standard-of-care therapy plus Interferon
Tau.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these studies are available to
qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer
Center at Colorado State University. Eligible patients are canine
cancer patients with melanoma, hemangiosarcoma, or osteosarcoma.
When the patient has exhausted all standard-of-care therapy options,
or the client declines standard-of-care therapy, the client will be
offered entry into this study. Dogs which stage positive for
metastasis are considered eligible. Once entered into the trial, an
owner may elect, at any time, to discontinue with the trial and seek
other treatment.
Owner Responsibilities: The client is responsible for all costs
related to the diagnosis and treatment of the patientís cancer, and
for all costs related to complications that might arise as a result
of treatment of the patientís cancer. All evaluations and blood
samples related to the study must be collected at the Animal Cancer
Center. All patients will be evaluated two weeks following the
initiation of therapy and then at monthly intervals.
Financial Incentives: This study pays only the cost of Interferon
Tau. For more information regarding financial incentives, please
contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
___________________________________________________________

Patient Disease: Canine Hemangiosarcoma of the Spleen 
Study Name: Hemangiosarcoma Metronomic Chemotherapy Study
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the
effectiveness of metronomic chemotherapy for the treatment of canine
splenic hemangiosarcoma. Metronomic chemotherapy is a method of
delivering chemotherapeutic agents at lower doses, but administering
the doses more often. This study is designed as a randomized
clinical trial. There are two treatment groups. One group receives
doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) chemotherapy every two weeks for five
treatments. The other group receives metronomic chemotherapy using
etoposide, cyclophosphamide, and piroxicam.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these studies are available to
qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer
Center at Colorado State University. The patient must have the
disease of hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, which has been confirmed
by biopsy and histopathology. The spleen must be surgically removed
and the disease may not have spread to any other area of the body.
In order to qualify for this study, the patient is not to have
received radiation therapy,
any chemotherapy, or any holistic medical treatment for splenic
hemangiosarcoma prior to entry into the study. The patient must not
have received steroids (like prednisone) for three weeks prior to
presentation. No other medical conditions may be present that might
prevent the patient from completing the study. And no additional
medication related to the disease may be given once the patient is
enrolled into the study. For more information regarding entry
criteria, please contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
Owner Responsibilities:
This study requires frequents visits to the Animal Cancer Center.
The client must schedule and keep all appointments related to the
study. Should the owner decide to withdraw from the study, the owner
assumes responsibility for all costs incurred.
Financial Incentives: The owner pays for the initial diagnosis and
surgical treatment of the disease. Additionally, the owner is
responsible for the cost of the staging tests used to determine if
the patient meets the eligibility requirements of the study (usually
about $600). Once eligible, the study pays for all study-related
examinations, tests, and chemotherapy treatments for up to one year.
For more information regarding financial incentives, please contact
our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
____________________________________________________________

Patient Disease: Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Study Name: Soft Tissue Sarcoma Heat and Radiation Perfusion Study
Purpose of the study: Localized hyperthermia (heat) combined with
radiation has been shown to be an effective treatment to control
soft tissue sarcoma. The purpose of this study is to discover the
mechanism of how localized hyperthermia enhances the effects of
radiation therapy.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these studies are available to
qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer
Center at Colorado State University. The patient must have the
disease of soft tissue sarcoma, which has been confirmed by biopsy
and histopathology. No other medical conditions may be present that
might prevent the patient from completing this six-week study. For
more information regarding entry criteria, please contact our
Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
Owner Responsibilities: This study requires six weeks of frequents
visits to the Animal CancerCentre. The patient will receive daily
treatments (M-F) for five weeks of the six-week protocol. The client
must schedule and keep all appointments related to the study. Should
the owner decide to withdraw from the study, the owner
may be held responsible for all costs
incurred.
Financial Incentives: The owner pays an initial $250. The study
pays all remaining costs associated with initial diagnostics,
hyperthermia treatment, radiation therapy, and all costs associated
with complications resulting from treatment. Costs associated with
tumor recurrence, metastasis, routine health maintenance, or any
treatment beyond hyperthermia and radiation intended for tumor
control are the responsibility of the owner. For more information
regarding financial incentives, please contact our Consult
Coordinator at 970-297-4195.
_______________________________________________________________

Patient Disease: Canine Osteosarcoma of a Limb 
Study Name: Osteosarcoma and Meloxicam Study
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the
benefits of the drug meloxicam inthe postoperative pain management
of canine patients with osteosarcoma.
Patient Entry Criteria: In general, these studies are available to
qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer
Centere at Colorado Sate University. Eligible patients are dogs with
histologically confirmed osteosarcoma of an extremity. The patientís
treatment plan must include amputation of the effected limb followed
by doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) chemotherapy. Diagnostic evaluation
must indicate no spread of cancer in the patient. Additionally, the
patient must have no pre-existing heart condition that would make
doxorubicin an inappropriate choice for treatment. Patients may not
have concurrent disease that might prevent them from completing the
study.
Owner Responsibilities: This study pays only the cost of meloxicam.
The client is responsible for all costs related to the diagnosis and
treatment of the patientís cancer, and for all costs related to
complications that might arise as a result of treatment of the
patient's cancer.
Financial Incentives: This study pays only the cost of meloxicam.
_______________________________________________________________

Participants Needed for Genetics Study of Canine Osteosarcoma/x-tad-bigger>/bigger>/bigger>/bigger>/fontfamily>
Animal Cancer Institute Trials/bigger>/bigger>/color>/fontfamily>
Since its inception the
Animal Cancer Institute and its Network of veterinary oncologists
have offered cutting edge treatment options to the metropolitan D.C.
area. In the last six months the Animal Cancer Institute Network has
expanded across the United States, with newly active treatment sites
in New York, Florida, Texas, and California./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
It is the goal of the
Animal Cancer Institute to provide more effective and less toxic
options for the treatment of cancer. Collaboration with the
pharmaceutical industry allows these options to be provided, in many
cases at no cost. For more information on the Animal Cancer
Institute, visit our website at:
/x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>. /x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>
The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC/bigger>/bigger>/fontfamily>
Cutting edge options
for cancer/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM/fontfamily>
T. Rusk DVM/fontfamily>
For more information contact Jennifer
Turner/fontfamily>
Phone: 202-363-7300/fontfamily>
Fax: 202-363-7126/fontfamily>
Email:
jturner@animalcancerinstitute.com/color> /fontfamily>
You may register your
clinic to receive electronic updates on trials available to your
clients. Registration for eTrial Updates is available at our
website, /x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
The Animal Cancer
Institute in cooperation with the AMC Cancer Research Center is
looking for assistance in a canine cancer research study. The
project involves collection of histopathology samples on purebred
dogs with osteosarcoma. The purpose of the analysis is to determine
how genes impact the development of osteosarcoma in dogs./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Study eligibility criteria
include:/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• Golden Retrievers,
Rottweilers, Scottish Deerhounds and Mastiffs with known pedigrees
can participate in this study. Other breeds may be eligible upon
approval by the Animal Cancer Institute./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• Dogs must have a
diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma (Grades I-II), with no
evidence of metastatic disease./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• There must be at least
two unaffected first-degree relatives of the affected dog (parents,
siblings, or offspring) that will consent to participation through
the donation of 10-15 ml of EDTA-anticoagulated blood (samples from
unaffected relatives are not required at the time of diagnosis or
sample submission from the affected patient)./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• Informed owner consent
form authorizing pre-treatment excisional biopsy (to be collected in
a medium supplied by the AMC), and commitment for treatment with an
acceptable protocol (e.g. amputation or limb-sparing surgery and
systemic chemotherapy with Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Adriamycin, or a
combination thereof)./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Trial Support/Funding
Includes:/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• $150 stipend toward cost
of biopsy • Histopathology and shipping of samples (an approximate
value of $130) will be performed at no charge by the AMC Cancer
Research Center ./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
For more information
please contact Jen Turner at the Animal Cancer Institute (202)
363-7300 or see our website at:
/x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>/fontfamily>
________________________________________________________

Antiangiogenic Therapy for Dogs with Measurable Soft
Tissue Sarcomas/x-tad-bigger>/bigger>/bigger>/bigger>/fontfamily>
Animal Cancer Institute Studies/bigger>/bigger>/color>/fontfamily>
Since its inception
the Animal Cancer Institute and its Network of veterinary
oncologists have offered cutting edge treatment options. The
Animal Cancer Institute Network is based in Washington, DC and
extends across the United States with sites in California,
Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New
York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington ./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
It is the goal of the
Animal Cancer Institute to provide more effective and less toxic
options for the treatment of cancer. Collaboration with the
pharmaceutical industry allows these options to be provided, in
many cases, at substantially reduced costs. For more information
on the therapeutic diet clinical study for cats with lymphoma,
and the Animal Cancer Institute, visit our website at:
/x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>. /x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>
The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC/bigger>/bigger>/fontfamily>
Cutting edge
options for cancer/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM/fontfamily>
T. Rusk DVM/fontfamily>
Study Monitor– Kate Cadorette/fontfamily>
Phone: 202-363-7300 Fax: 202-363-7126/fontfamily>
Email:
kcadorette@animalcancerinstitute.com/color>/fontfamily>

You may register your clinic to receive electronic updates on
trials available to your clients. Registration for eTrial Updates is
available at our website,
/x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/fontfamily>
Trial eligibility
criteria include:/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
•
/x-tad-bigger>/x-tad-bigger>client
owned pet dogs/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• measurable,
histologically confirmed soft tissue sarcomas, not including
hemangiosarcomas/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• tumors must be
accessible for histopath collection and objective measurement using
direct caliper measurement, ultrasound, radiographs or CT/MRI scan./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• favorable clinical
performance status at entry (expected to remain clinically stable
for 30 days)./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• no previous exposure to
antiangiogenic therapies/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• no chemotherapy within
14 days of trial entry/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• no radiation therapy
administered within 21 days of trial entry/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• corticosteroids and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents ok to continue if patient has
been receiving for >14 days at time of study entry/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>
Trial Support/Funding Includes:/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
•
/x-tad-bigger>/x-tad-bigger>
Antiangiogenic peptide provided at no charge/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• Biopsy (as required at
trial initiation, date of first objective response and date of
relapse)/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• MRI at study entry, and
every 3 months through Day 180 for selected patients/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
All patients must be
evaluated and treated through a participating Animal Cancer
Institute Network site, monthly./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Diagnostic and staging
tests may be performed at any veterinary hospital within 10 days of
initiation (full serum chemistry, CBC, U/A and thoracic
radiographs)./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Dogs will receive a supply
of medication for in-home, daily subcutaneous injection or will be
treated at a representative clinic every 14 days with a depot
injection. Continued therapy will be available pending response to
therapy./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>
All examination, tumor imaging and other diagnostic costs are
patient’s responsibility./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Cases which relapse
or are refractory following >30 days on antiangiogenic therapy will
be eligible to receive open label gemcitabine therapy. Gemcitabine
will be provided at no charge - all other costs associated with drug
examination and drug administration will be owner responsibility.
Assessment of response will be made following the first cycle of
therapy and consideration for a /x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
2nd cycle will be made
based on patient response./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
For more information
please contact Kate Cadorette at the Animal Cancer Institute
(202-363-7300) or see our website at
/x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitiute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
________________________________________________________

Oral Antimitotic Agent for Dogs with Lymphoma/bigger>/bigger>/fontfamily>
/fontfamily>
Animal Cancer Institute Studies/bigger>/bigger>/color>/fontfamily>
Since its inception the
Animal Cancer Institute and its Network of veterinary oncologists
have offered cutting edge treatment options. The Animal Cancer
Institute Network is based in Washington, DC and extends across the
United States with sites in California, Connecticut, Florida,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia
and Washington ./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
It is the goal of the
Animal Cancer Institute to provide more effective and less toxic
options for the treatment of cancer. Collaboration with the
pharmaceutical industry allows these options to be provided, in many
cases, at substantially reduced costs. For more information on the
therapeutic diet clinical study for cats with lymphoma, and the
Animal Cancer Institute, visit our website at:
/x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>
The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC/bigger>/bigger>/fontfamily>
Cutting edge options
for cancer/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM/fontfamily>
T. Rusk DVM/fontfamily>
For more information, contact /fontfamily>
Jennifer Turner:/fontfamily>
Phone: 202-363-7300 /fontfamily>
Fax: 202-363-7126/fontfamily>
Email:
jturner@animalcancerinstitute.com/color>/fontfamily>
/color>
You may register your clinic to receive electronic updates on trials
available to your clients. Registration for eTrial Updates is
available at our website,
/x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Oral Antimitotic Agent for Dogs with Lymphoma/x-tad-bigger>/bigger>/bigger>/bigger>/fontfamily>
Eligibility
Criteria Include:/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• measurable,
cytologically diagnosed NH lymphoma (histology collected at
study entry)/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• any clinical stage
but must have nodal involvement- includes relapsed cases/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• favorable
performance score/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• no concurrent
chemotherapy (within 14 days of trial entry)/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• no concurrent
radiation therapy (within 21 days of trial entry)/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• concurrent use of
corticosteroids accepted providing treatment duration is greater
than 21 days and/or no clinical improvement is noted. Measurable
disease defined by examination, radiographs, ultra-sound, CT or
MRI scan/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>
Trial Design: /x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Diagnostic and staging
tests may be performed at any veterinary hospital within 10 days
of initiation of study:/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• Serum biochemistry/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• CBC/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• Urinalysis/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• Thoracic and
abdominal radiographs/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Patients will be
treated at a participating Animal Cancer Institute Network
clinic. Lymph node biopsies will be required at entry, Day 7,
first objective response and at progression or relapse./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
/x-tad-bigger>
Trial Support/Funding Includes:/x-tad-bigger> /fontfamily>
• /x-tad-bigger>
Laboratory, biopsy and professional fees (as required for the
study) from time of enrollment through Day 56 (additional
monthly exams beyond Day 56 will be owner’s financial
responsibility)/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
• Oral Antimitotic
agent through Day 56 (beyond Day 56, additional monthly
shipments of study drug supply will be billed to the
clinic/investigator at a rate of $50 per shipment)/x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
Dogs will receive the
oral medication over a 4-week initial phase. Continued therapy
will be available pending response to therapy. Long-term
follow-up recheck examinations will be performed monthly./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
For more information
please contact the Animal Cancer Institute (202-363-7300) or see
our website at /x-tad-bigger>
www.animalcancerinstitiute.com/x-tad-bigger>/color>./x-tad-bigger>/fontfamily>
|
Hello everyone.
I have been asked to pass on this very important information.
Dr. Edmund Sullivan, who you may recall, is the wonderful vet from
Bellingham Veterinary Critical Care, who did Comet's bone marrow
transplant, is now working with a company called Leuchemix, that is
developing a new drug to treat acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic
leukemia, two conditions that are often rapidly fatal.
In order to test the in vitro effectiveness of the drug being developed by Leuchemix, Dr. Sullivan
and his team, need fresh whole blood or marrow samples from dogs with
either of these conditions.
If in vitro effectiveness can be established, then a clinical trial will
be set up for dogs with these conditions.
If anyone has questions about this in vitro study, they can contact Dr.
Sullivan at the email address or phone numbers listed below.
Edmund Sullivan, DVM
Bellingham Veterinary
720 Virginia St
Bellingham WA 98225
360-734-0720
360-220-6083
bvcc720@yahoo.com
Thank you very much for your help. Together, we can make a difference,
and take a bite out of canine cancer.
You are welcome to cross post this information, and updates will be
posted on Blues' web site, at www.smilingblueskies.com, in Dr.
Sullivan's special section.
You are also welcome to contact Dr. Sullivan directly. |
Wednesday, April 6, 2005
What price a pet's life? $45,000 to treat Comet/bigger>
|
Here is an Update on
Comet's Progress, 21 Months Since His Original Diagnosis,
and 15 Months Since
his Bone Marrow Transplant
Comet has been doing
very well and is currently off all medications related to
his transplant. He has no signs of graft versus host disease, is
apparently free of lymphoma, and has sustained engraftment. He runs
five miles every day with his owner and other Golden Retriever
companion, Ajax. This month is 21 months since his original
diagnosis and 15 months since his transplant.
Dr. Westfall and Dr.
Sullivan, continue working towards providing transplants for
additional patients, and they have 8 patients with lymphoma being
staged for both allogenic and autologous transplants. Currently,
the cost for an autologous transplant is expected to be around $12K
US and an allogenic transplant between $18-20K depending upon the
size of the dog, the number of matching studies, and the length of
hospitalization. The doctors hope that these costs will continue to
decline as they learn more and streamline the process. With an
autologous transplant they expect to have long term disease free
periods in 30% of these patients. With allogenic transplants with
matching DLA donors (sibling donors), they expect up to 60% long
term disease free periods. These numbers are estimates based
upon the results of autologous transplants done 25 years ago
adjusted for improvements in chemo protocols and supportive care
post transplant.
It is important that
staging for the transplants be started as soon after the initial
diagnosis as possible since autologous transplants are best done in
the first remission. Also, the use of Neupogen and un-irradiated
blood products before the transplant can interfere with mobilization
and engraftment.
|
"Comet is like many Golden |