RICHMOND, British Columbia, June 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioCurex Inc. (OTCBB:BOCX) today announced that it has developed OncoPet(tm), a version of its RECAF(tm) blood test to be used for cancer detection in dogs.
The new test performance matches that of its human counterpart: In a study including 116 dogs with cancer and 150 control dogs, the test detected 85% of the animals with a variety of cancers at the standard 95% specificity level (i.e. 5% false positives).
Consultations with the pertinent Government agencies in the USA and Canada indicate that neither the "homebrew" tests for veterinary use, nor the production facilities require regulatory approval.
Given the absence of regulatory delays as well as the fact that the technology is ready for use, the Company expects to take OncoPet(tm) to market within the next few months and to that effect, it has already registered the www.oncopet.net domain.
Marketing research indicates that the fastest and most profitable approach to commercialization of this product is to offer the testing service directly to veterinarians, to be done in conjunction with routine blood work. In British Columbia over 120,000 blood tests are carried out on pets every year. In addition, BioCurex shall consider licensing these tests to large veterinary diagnostic companies on a non-exclusive basis. The use of RECAF for veterinary purposes is not included in the current licensing agreements with Abbott Laboratories and Inverness Medical Innovations.
There are approximately 75 million dogs in the United States - that is a dog for every 4 people - and on average their owners spend $219 per year on veterinary visits(1). Overall, 4 out of 1,000 dogs get cancer every year(2). "It is the number one cause of death among dogs and cats in the United States, Europe, and Japan," says Dr. Greg Ogilvie, a professor at Colorado State University and a world expert in veterinary oncology. More than 50% of all dogs ultimately die of cancer, and some breeds, like golden retrievers and boxers, have even higher cancer rates. In fact, pets are more likely to get cancer during their lifetimes than their owners(3).
Statistics reveal that almost all pet owners feel a strong human-animal bond. About 49.7% of survey respondents consider pets to be part of the family, and 48.2% consider pets to be companions4. Between 1996 and 2006 the number of dog-owning households that spent $1,000 or more per year on visits to the veterinarian quadrupled - from 2.2% to 8.4%4. During 2006, dogs averaged 1.5 visits to the veterinarian(4).
Dr. Moro stated: "OncoPet(tm) is our response to generate revenue as quickly as possible. It is now ready for use and it requires no approvals that would excessively delay its launching. Marketing in North America is straight forward and the veterinarians we consulted are enthusiastic about the potential the test has to offer. Other markets such as Europe and Japan may be accessed via licensing or distribution agreements. OncoPet(tm) is now ready for use with dogs, but we anticipate it will also be as effective for cats, which approximately doubles the market size.
On June 3rd, Pfizer announced that the Food and Drug Administration has approved the first cancer drug, named Palladia(tm), made specifically to treat cancer in dogs(5). The ability to diagnose cancer with OncoPet(tm) and treat it with Palladia(tm) presents an intriguing synergy."
Moro added: "Finally, it is of paramount importance to keep in mind that this RECAF test for companion animals is not a substitution for our RECAF tests to be used in human patients but rather an addition aimed to accelerate revenue generation while the human tests get to market."
About BioCurex:
BioCurex, Inc. is a biotechnology company that is developing products based on patented/proprietary technology in the areas of cancer diagnosis, imaging and therapy. The technology identifies a cancer marker known as RECAF(tm), which is found on malignant cells from a variety of cancer types but is absent in most normal or benign cells.
BioCurex has signed licensing agreements for its cancer detection blood tests with Abbott Laboratories and with Inverness Medical Innovations.
The cancer marker RECAF(tm) has emerged as a potential biomarker that may be useful in the development of new cancer diagnostics tests. Preliminary studies from the investigators at BioCurex have reported a high level of clinical sensitivity and specificity for RECAF in many of the most common cancers, including prostate, breast, colorectal, lung and others.
To read more about the Company, please visit the News section in our web site (www.biocurex.com).
Showing posts with label cancer research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer research. Show all posts
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
FDA approves cancer treatment for dogs
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug made specifically to treat cancer in dogs.
Until now, all cancer drugs used in veterinary medicine were developed for use in humans and weren't specifically approved for animals. Federal law allows vets to administer cancer medicines and other human treatments under controlled circumstances.
The new drug, Palladia, manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health Inc., has been approved to treat a type of cancer that accounts for about one in five cases of canine skin tumors.
Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors — the cancer in question — can appear small and insignificant when dogs have them, but while some are easily removed, others can lead to life-threatening disease, according to the FDA.
"This cancer drug approval for dogs is an important step forward for veterinary medicine," Bernadette Dunham, director of FDA's center for veterinary medicine, said in a statement Wednesday.
"Prior to this approval, veterinarians had to rely on human oncology drugs, without knowledge of how safe or effective they would be for dogs," Dunham said. "Today's approval offers dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, an option for treatment of their dog's cancer."
Palladia is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by killing tumor cells and cutting off blood supply to the tumor. Common side effects include diarrhea, decrease or loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss and blood in the stool.
Until now, all cancer drugs used in veterinary medicine were developed for use in humans and weren't specifically approved for animals. Federal law allows vets to administer cancer medicines and other human treatments under controlled circumstances.
The new drug, Palladia, manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health Inc., has been approved to treat a type of cancer that accounts for about one in five cases of canine skin tumors.
Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors — the cancer in question — can appear small and insignificant when dogs have them, but while some are easily removed, others can lead to life-threatening disease, according to the FDA.
"This cancer drug approval for dogs is an important step forward for veterinary medicine," Bernadette Dunham, director of FDA's center for veterinary medicine, said in a statement Wednesday.
"Prior to this approval, veterinarians had to rely on human oncology drugs, without knowledge of how safe or effective they would be for dogs," Dunham said. "Today's approval offers dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, an option for treatment of their dog's cancer."
Palladia is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by killing tumor cells and cutting off blood supply to the tumor. Common side effects include diarrhea, decrease or loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss and blood in the stool.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Veterinarians are making stunning progress with adult, animal stem cells.
Nearly crippled dogs are suddenly walking, even running again. And there's hope that it will work on humans, too.
When you hear stem cells, you may instantly think controversy. Embryonic stem cell research has been fiercely debated because those cells can be derived only from human embryos.
But what we're talking about here is taking adult stem cells from your own body. It's already being done with great success in horses, cats and dogs. Man's best friend often shares some of man's worst ailments.
Hali, a 12-year-old golden retriever mix is helping to blaze a trail in cutting edge medicine. "I've seen animals that have gone from barely being able to walk to trotting and running down the driveway," said Dr. Cheryl Adams. Adams is a pioneer of stem cell therapy. One of only two vets in Illinois certified to do it, she's treated 30 dogs so far.
She extracted stem cells from River, an 8-year-old German Shepherd mix who may look familiar because of how he got his name. In the winter of 2001, the lost pup was trapped out on the ice of the Chicago River. The man who led the rescue, Chicago Police Lieutenant Jim Gantz, wound up adopting him and naming him, of course, River.
"He's just been a terrific dog, he's the best," Gantz said. But over the years, River developed osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. So now, Adams is removing fat from River's abdomen.
The vials are then packed up and shipped overnight to a company called Vet Stem in San Diego. The fat cells are put into a centrifuge that separates the stem cells. And two days later, they're re-injected into the dog's joints.
"This science actually gives a chance to rejuvenate tissue, tendon, ligament and bone. So the dog can actually get better," said Gantz. "It really is cutting edge stuff, it's pretty exciting stuff."
It costs about $3,000, but Adams says River's results, as in most cases, have been spectacular and almost immediate. "His energy level went through the roof, and we increased his range of motion by 20 degrees on his right hip," said Adams.
As hopeful and exciting as this is for canines, imagine if they could do it for humans. Well, you won't have to imagine much longer. It's already in the works.
Vet Stem is already testing treatments for repairing damaged livers, kidneys and hearts in dogs and cats.
The hope is someday soon, stem cells will not only help humans suffering from arthritis, but also stroke and heart attack victims, maybe even regenerate damaged spinal cords. It's a hope made all the more real by the long-term success of Hali, the golden retriever. Two years after being treated, Hali is still a different dog. And her owner, a neurosurgeon, is a true believer that the day is coming when stem cells will help many of us.
"She's done remarkable. I mean here's a dog who couldn't go up and down the stairs, who didn't want to walk, now goes up and down the stairs and barks every morning at 4:30 to go to the park," said her owner.
Experts say adult stem cell therapy for humans is about a decade off in the U.S., although it's already being done in some other countries. This treatment is not for every dog or cat. Those with cancer or some other conditions are not considered good candidates. But those that are have seen some incredible results.
(Copyright ©2008 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
When you hear stem cells, you may instantly think controversy. Embryonic stem cell research has been fiercely debated because those cells can be derived only from human embryos.
But what we're talking about here is taking adult stem cells from your own body. It's already being done with great success in horses, cats and dogs. Man's best friend often shares some of man's worst ailments.
Hali, a 12-year-old golden retriever mix is helping to blaze a trail in cutting edge medicine. "I've seen animals that have gone from barely being able to walk to trotting and running down the driveway," said Dr. Cheryl Adams. Adams is a pioneer of stem cell therapy. One of only two vets in Illinois certified to do it, she's treated 30 dogs so far.
She extracted stem cells from River, an 8-year-old German Shepherd mix who may look familiar because of how he got his name. In the winter of 2001, the lost pup was trapped out on the ice of the Chicago River. The man who led the rescue, Chicago Police Lieutenant Jim Gantz, wound up adopting him and naming him, of course, River.
"He's just been a terrific dog, he's the best," Gantz said. But over the years, River developed osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. So now, Adams is removing fat from River's abdomen.
The vials are then packed up and shipped overnight to a company called Vet Stem in San Diego. The fat cells are put into a centrifuge that separates the stem cells. And two days later, they're re-injected into the dog's joints.
"This science actually gives a chance to rejuvenate tissue, tendon, ligament and bone. So the dog can actually get better," said Gantz. "It really is cutting edge stuff, it's pretty exciting stuff."
It costs about $3,000, but Adams says River's results, as in most cases, have been spectacular and almost immediate. "His energy level went through the roof, and we increased his range of motion by 20 degrees on his right hip," said Adams.
As hopeful and exciting as this is for canines, imagine if they could do it for humans. Well, you won't have to imagine much longer. It's already in the works.
Vet Stem is already testing treatments for repairing damaged livers, kidneys and hearts in dogs and cats.
The hope is someday soon, stem cells will not only help humans suffering from arthritis, but also stroke and heart attack victims, maybe even regenerate damaged spinal cords. It's a hope made all the more real by the long-term success of Hali, the golden retriever. Two years after being treated, Hali is still a different dog. And her owner, a neurosurgeon, is a true believer that the day is coming when stem cells will help many of us.
"She's done remarkable. I mean here's a dog who couldn't go up and down the stairs, who didn't want to walk, now goes up and down the stairs and barks every morning at 4:30 to go to the park," said her owner.
Experts say adult stem cell therapy for humans is about a decade off in the U.S., although it's already being done in some other countries. This treatment is not for every dog or cat. Those with cancer or some other conditions are not considered good candidates. But those that are have seen some incredible results.
(Copyright ©2008 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
Friday, April 18, 2008
Did a Guy Find a Cure for Cancer Using Pie Tins and Hot Dogs?
John Kanzius, a former businessman and radio technician who never graduated from college, may have discovered a way to kill cancer cells throughout the body without surgery, drugs, or side effects.
Kanzius was diagnosed with terminal leukemia six years ago, and after 36 rounds of chemotherapy and meeting children enduring the same, he decided to find a better cure. One night, he had a flash of inspiration, aided by his lifetime of experience with radio equipment. High-powered radio waves are harmless to human flesh, but will heat up metal particles. So if you can somehow lodge bits of metal into cancer cells, you can cook them with radio waves without damaging healthy tissue.
So he started playing around with his wife’s pie tins to try to reflect and concentrate radio waves, and ended up creating a prototype device that could send radio waves between two boxes. He then shelled out another $200,000 to create a more advanced, high-powered version, which he tested out with a copper sulfate-injected hot dog. If you’re hungry for details about how it works (or for a radio-cooked hot dog), read the patent; basically, the metal got hot, the rest of the doggie stayed cold.
But you can’t really go around cancer wards injecting copper sulfate into people’s tumors—and breasts and prostates aren’t hot dogs—so after months of MacGyver moments, Kanzius finally went for a more high-tech tool: nanoparticles. Nanoparticles can be made out of metal, and thousands can fit inside a single cell. Kanzius took this idea to M.D. Anderson liver cancer surgeon Dr. Steven Curley.
Conveniently, one of Dr. Curley’s patients was Rick Smalley, the Nobel laureate who discovered carbon nanoparticles. Curley asked if he could experiment with some of his metal nanoparticles, and Kanzius ended up using his machine to “blow the smithereens out of [them].”
Curley has now used “the Kanzius machine” to cook cancer out of rabbits, and Dr. David Geller at the University of Pittsburgh has used it to destroy liver cancer cells in rats—which he even demonstrated on 60 Minutes.
The big problem is targeting only the cancer cells. Curley mentions that his goal is to find a way for the nanoparticles to bind only the cancer cells, but this is a serious challenge. People have already been trying to target chemo drugs for many years with limited success.
But if the device doesn’t turn out to be the cancer killer he hoped for, Kanzius can figure out how to use his machine for other purposes—last year, for example, he used it to burn salt water.
Kanzius was diagnosed with terminal leukemia six years ago, and after 36 rounds of chemotherapy and meeting children enduring the same, he decided to find a better cure. One night, he had a flash of inspiration, aided by his lifetime of experience with radio equipment. High-powered radio waves are harmless to human flesh, but will heat up metal particles. So if you can somehow lodge bits of metal into cancer cells, you can cook them with radio waves without damaging healthy tissue.
So he started playing around with his wife’s pie tins to try to reflect and concentrate radio waves, and ended up creating a prototype device that could send radio waves between two boxes. He then shelled out another $200,000 to create a more advanced, high-powered version, which he tested out with a copper sulfate-injected hot dog. If you’re hungry for details about how it works (or for a radio-cooked hot dog), read the patent; basically, the metal got hot, the rest of the doggie stayed cold.
But you can’t really go around cancer wards injecting copper sulfate into people’s tumors—and breasts and prostates aren’t hot dogs—so after months of MacGyver moments, Kanzius finally went for a more high-tech tool: nanoparticles. Nanoparticles can be made out of metal, and thousands can fit inside a single cell. Kanzius took this idea to M.D. Anderson liver cancer surgeon Dr. Steven Curley.
Conveniently, one of Dr. Curley’s patients was Rick Smalley, the Nobel laureate who discovered carbon nanoparticles. Curley asked if he could experiment with some of his metal nanoparticles, and Kanzius ended up using his machine to “blow the smithereens out of [them].”
Curley has now used “the Kanzius machine” to cook cancer out of rabbits, and Dr. David Geller at the University of Pittsburgh has used it to destroy liver cancer cells in rats—which he even demonstrated on 60 Minutes.
The big problem is targeting only the cancer cells. Curley mentions that his goal is to find a way for the nanoparticles to bind only the cancer cells, but this is a serious challenge. People have already been trying to target chemo drugs for many years with limited success.
But if the device doesn’t turn out to be the cancer killer he hoped for, Kanzius can figure out how to use his machine for other purposes—last year, for example, he used it to burn salt water.
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Presents Data on SPI-1620, a Novel Adjunct to Chemotherapy, at the American Association of Cancer Research Meeting
IRVINE, Calif., Apr 15, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (Nasdaq:SPPI) announced that data on a field study with SPI-1620 in dogs with spontaneously occurring tumors were presented via poster presentation at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), held in San Diego, California. SPI-1620, a highly selective endothelin-B receptor agonist, is being developed as an adjunct to cancer therapy. In earlier preclinical studies, SPI-1620 had demonstrated evidence of transiently enhancing the blood flow to tumors, thus increasing the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents to tumors, sparing normal tissues.
"In an ongoing field study with tumor-bearing dogs, being conducted at the University of Missouri- Columbia, SPI-1620 thus far has demonstrated evidence of selectively and transiently increasing blood flow to spontaneously-occurring tumors," said Rajesh C. Shrotriya, M.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "This dog study is a more predictive study than transplanted tumors in rodents. In previous rodent model studies we have demonstrated that SPI-1620 enhances the efficacy of a wide variety of chemotherapeutics in different tumor models. We believe that SPI-1620, currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial, could have a broad range of applications for use in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer."
#365 Use of a Novel Endothelin-B Agonist (SPI-1620) To Alter Blood Flow to Solid Tumors for Improved Chemotherapy Delivery in Dogs with Spontaneously-Occurring Tumors
Tumor-bearing dogs were enrolled in a field study and evaluated via physical examination and hematologic assessment. SPI-1620 was injected intravenously over one minute, and then laser Doppler probes (Periflux 4000(R: 67.12, +3.05, +4.76%), Perimed AB, Sweden) were used to measure perfusion in tumor and distant normal tissue for 3 hours. Cohorts of three dogs per dosage level were treated starting at 0.2 ug/kg. On day 7, SPI-1620 treatment was repeated followed 15 minutes later by chemotherapy. Toxicity monitoring included clinical observation and hematologic assessment.
To date, 5 dogs have been treated (3 at 0.2ug/kg and 2 at 0.4ug/kg) without toxicity. All vital signs have remained normal during and after each treatment for all dogs. All blood parameters have remained normal until after treatment for all dogs. Tumor perfusion increased 38-94% starting 17-20 minutes after SPI-1620 injection, with maximum effect by 1 hour and lasting for 3 hours post-injection. Perfusion to normal tissue changed less than 15%. One dog with metastatic mast cell tumor experienced a partial response. Enrollment in escalating dosage cohorts is ongoing.
It was concluded that SPI-1620 appears to affect blood flow to solid tumors and is well tolerated. This may improve delivery of chemotherapy to tumors and warrants further investigation of the effect on drug delivery and efficacy.
About SPI-1620
According to the most recent American Cancer Society estimates, in the United States, approximately 1.4 million new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in 2008 and over 565,000 persons were expected to die from the disease in 2008. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. Chemotherapy is one of the mainstays of therapy for solid tumors. However, chemotherapy often fails because adequate tissue levels of the cytotoxic agents are not achieved in the tumor and serious side effects result from toxicity to normal cells. Consequently, any means to increase the delivery of a cytotoxic agent selectively to tumors, while minimizing its concentration in normal tissues, would be beneficial.
SPI-1620 is a highly selective endothelin-B agonist that causes a selective and transient increase in blood flow to tumors, thereby, as demonstrated in preclinical studies, increasing the delivery of anticancer agents to the tumor, and as a result increasing the efficacy of these drugs. In these pre-clinical studies, when anti-cancer drugs, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, cisplatin, 5-FU, cyclophosphamide and others, were administered shortly after SPI-1620, the anti-cancer drug concentration in the tumor increased several fold. This resulted in increased anti-tumor efficacy at a given dose of the cytotoxic agent, and thus might allow physicians to maximize efficacy of reduced cytotoxic agent doses with resultant decreased toxicity to the normal organs. Preclinical proof of principle studies have been successfully conducted in a wide variety of indications such as breast, ovarian, melanoma, and prostate cancer. SPI-1620 is currently in a Phase 1 trial that is an open label, dose-escalation study assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SPI-1620 in patients with recurrent or progressive carcinoma.
Spectrum has proprietary worldwide rights to SPI-1620.
About Spectrum Pharmaceuticals
"In an ongoing field study with tumor-bearing dogs, being conducted at the University of Missouri- Columbia, SPI-1620 thus far has demonstrated evidence of selectively and transiently increasing blood flow to spontaneously-occurring tumors," said Rajesh C. Shrotriya, M.D., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "This dog study is a more predictive study than transplanted tumors in rodents. In previous rodent model studies we have demonstrated that SPI-1620 enhances the efficacy of a wide variety of chemotherapeutics in different tumor models. We believe that SPI-1620, currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial, could have a broad range of applications for use in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer."
#365 Use of a Novel Endothelin-B Agonist (SPI-1620) To Alter Blood Flow to Solid Tumors for Improved Chemotherapy Delivery in Dogs with Spontaneously-Occurring Tumors
Tumor-bearing dogs were enrolled in a field study and evaluated via physical examination and hematologic assessment. SPI-1620 was injected intravenously over one minute, and then laser Doppler probes (Periflux 4000(R: 67.12, +3.05, +4.76%), Perimed AB, Sweden) were used to measure perfusion in tumor and distant normal tissue for 3 hours. Cohorts of three dogs per dosage level were treated starting at 0.2 ug/kg. On day 7, SPI-1620 treatment was repeated followed 15 minutes later by chemotherapy. Toxicity monitoring included clinical observation and hematologic assessment.
To date, 5 dogs have been treated (3 at 0.2ug/kg and 2 at 0.4ug/kg) without toxicity. All vital signs have remained normal during and after each treatment for all dogs. All blood parameters have remained normal until after treatment for all dogs. Tumor perfusion increased 38-94% starting 17-20 minutes after SPI-1620 injection, with maximum effect by 1 hour and lasting for 3 hours post-injection. Perfusion to normal tissue changed less than 15%. One dog with metastatic mast cell tumor experienced a partial response. Enrollment in escalating dosage cohorts is ongoing.
It was concluded that SPI-1620 appears to affect blood flow to solid tumors and is well tolerated. This may improve delivery of chemotherapy to tumors and warrants further investigation of the effect on drug delivery and efficacy.
About SPI-1620
According to the most recent American Cancer Society estimates, in the United States, approximately 1.4 million new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in 2008 and over 565,000 persons were expected to die from the disease in 2008. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. Chemotherapy is one of the mainstays of therapy for solid tumors. However, chemotherapy often fails because adequate tissue levels of the cytotoxic agents are not achieved in the tumor and serious side effects result from toxicity to normal cells. Consequently, any means to increase the delivery of a cytotoxic agent selectively to tumors, while minimizing its concentration in normal tissues, would be beneficial.
SPI-1620 is a highly selective endothelin-B agonist that causes a selective and transient increase in blood flow to tumors, thereby, as demonstrated in preclinical studies, increasing the delivery of anticancer agents to the tumor, and as a result increasing the efficacy of these drugs. In these pre-clinical studies, when anti-cancer drugs, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, cisplatin, 5-FU, cyclophosphamide and others, were administered shortly after SPI-1620, the anti-cancer drug concentration in the tumor increased several fold. This resulted in increased anti-tumor efficacy at a given dose of the cytotoxic agent, and thus might allow physicians to maximize efficacy of reduced cytotoxic agent doses with resultant decreased toxicity to the normal organs. Preclinical proof of principle studies have been successfully conducted in a wide variety of indications such as breast, ovarian, melanoma, and prostate cancer. SPI-1620 is currently in a Phase 1 trial that is an open label, dose-escalation study assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SPI-1620 in patients with recurrent or progressive carcinoma.
Spectrum has proprietary worldwide rights to SPI-1620.
About Spectrum Pharmaceuticals
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Austin-Boston walk to raise research funds for canine cancer
Jordan Wentz
Luke Robinson is walking from Austin, Texas, to Boston with his two dogs to raise money for canine cancer research.
"Big Dog" Luke Robinson, and his "boys," two canines that answer to calls of Hudson and Murphy, put one paw in front of another earlier this month to begin a 1,957 mile walk to raise money for canine cancer research.
The Austin, Texas-to-Boston trek honors Robinson's dog, a Great Pyreness named Malcolm, that died of osteosacrcoma after two years of cancer treatment that included a leg amputation and chemotherapy, Robinson wrote on his website.
With Hudson and Murphy, also Pyrenees, in tow, Robinson hopes to reach Boston in December, said Robinson's friend Mark Vogel, who works with the Northeast Pyrenees rescue. He left Austin March 16.
"He really is a pretty dynamic but down-to-earth kind of person," said Vogel. "He's a good person to bring people together because he's honest and he means it."
Vogel said volunteers have come together for Robinson's walk. People have offered their homes for Robinson and the dogs to stay in or their backyards for them to pitch their tent, he said.
When reached earlier this week, Robinson was traveling in an area of Texas with bad cellphone reception and could not be interviewed.
The trio's schedule is tentative because Robinson wants to avoid interstates, state highways and long-spanning bridges when possible, according to his website.
When the walk started, the plan was to move up to 10 miles a day, but weather conditions affect the amount of ground that Robinson, Hudson and Murphy actually can cover, Vogel said.
In addition to raising canine cancer awareness, Vogel said they hope to raise money for cancer research through corporate sponsorships and individual donations.
Vogel said that little research has been done in treating dog cancer. "It's very crude," he said.
Vogel said Robinson chose the Animal Cancer Foundation as the sole beneficiary of any money the walk raises because he wanted collaborative -- human and animal -- research to be done by a group that would unite people with a common goal.
ACF founder and President Gerald Post said it is one of the "few" foundations funding comparative oncology research, which studies cancers occurring similarly in animals and humans, he said.
"If we can figure out how to treat cancer in dogs and cats better, then we can better treat cancer in people," he said.
Human and animal cancer is molecularly similar, but testing cancer prevention and treatment on animals is easier because they have a shorter lifespan and the effects appear sooner, he said.
"This is a win-win-win situation," said Post. "If it works in dogs and cats, then it's good for the pet, it's good for the pet owner and it's good for people in general."
Luke Robinson is walking from Austin, Texas, to Boston with his two dogs to raise money for canine cancer research.
"Big Dog" Luke Robinson, and his "boys," two canines that answer to calls of Hudson and Murphy, put one paw in front of another earlier this month to begin a 1,957 mile walk to raise money for canine cancer research.
The Austin, Texas-to-Boston trek honors Robinson's dog, a Great Pyreness named Malcolm, that died of osteosacrcoma after two years of cancer treatment that included a leg amputation and chemotherapy, Robinson wrote on his website.
With Hudson and Murphy, also Pyrenees, in tow, Robinson hopes to reach Boston in December, said Robinson's friend Mark Vogel, who works with the Northeast Pyrenees rescue. He left Austin March 16.
"He really is a pretty dynamic but down-to-earth kind of person," said Vogel. "He's a good person to bring people together because he's honest and he means it."
Vogel said volunteers have come together for Robinson's walk. People have offered their homes for Robinson and the dogs to stay in or their backyards for them to pitch their tent, he said.
When reached earlier this week, Robinson was traveling in an area of Texas with bad cellphone reception and could not be interviewed.
The trio's schedule is tentative because Robinson wants to avoid interstates, state highways and long-spanning bridges when possible, according to his website.
When the walk started, the plan was to move up to 10 miles a day, but weather conditions affect the amount of ground that Robinson, Hudson and Murphy actually can cover, Vogel said.
In addition to raising canine cancer awareness, Vogel said they hope to raise money for cancer research through corporate sponsorships and individual donations.
Vogel said that little research has been done in treating dog cancer. "It's very crude," he said.
Vogel said Robinson chose the Animal Cancer Foundation as the sole beneficiary of any money the walk raises because he wanted collaborative -- human and animal -- research to be done by a group that would unite people with a common goal.
ACF founder and President Gerald Post said it is one of the "few" foundations funding comparative oncology research, which studies cancers occurring similarly in animals and humans, he said.
"If we can figure out how to treat cancer in dogs and cats better, then we can better treat cancer in people," he said.
Human and animal cancer is molecularly similar, but testing cancer prevention and treatment on animals is easier because they have a shorter lifespan and the effects appear sooner, he said.
"This is a win-win-win situation," said Post. "If it works in dogs and cats, then it's good for the pet, it's good for the pet owner and it's good for people in general."
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Researcher finds dog-human cancer link
The treatment of a dog's cancer could lead to advances in human treatment.
By Devin Henry
By nature, best friends have many things in common - favorite movies, similar hobbies and common interests.
But University researchers have recently found man's best friend may have something more substantial in common with their masters.
Jaime Modiano, a professor in oncology and comparative medicine, discovered that humans and dogs share a genetic link for certain types of cancer, which could help with human cancer research in the future.
Not only that, but the similarities happened naturally - researchers didn't need to induce the disease to see it in the animals.
Modiano called it "paradigm changing."
"This is the first time the abnormality has been documented in a species other than humans where the cancer happens spontaneously," he said.
Modiano said the cancer is related on the genetic level and it works a bit like a jigsaw puzzle.
Genes fit together like puzzle pieces in different ways, based on what the animal is. The genes remain the same despite the animal.
"The exact same genetic abnormality is associated with what would be exactly the same type of cancer in the two species," he said.
Modiano said this development could potentially lead to better cancer research, with the dogs as the subject.
Humans and dogs get cancer with the same frequency - about one-third of each species will get cancer at some point, Modiano said. As dog owners bring their pets in for treatment, researchers will be able to look into implications for human cancer through the dogs' treatment.
"It's one way in which dogs can help us accelerate the development of cancer therapy that would be really difficult to do if we didn't have access to this population," he said.
Jim Mickelson, a professor in veterinary biomedical studies, said humans and animals share many similar genes, and thus share traits such as hair color and conditions like arthritis and diabetes.
"With our genes being very similar, a lot of the genetic conditions that are due to mutations in those genes are similar," he said.
University researchers are also looking into canine epilepsy, Mickelson said, as well as certain muscle diseases in horses and how they relate to human conditions.
"It doesn't surprise me at all that there can be similar bases for conditions because of the overall similarity in the way molecular biology works," he said.
Senior global studies student Eleanora Franz said she isn't surprised to know that humans and dogs share genetic links for some conditions.
While it isn't cancer, Franz said she knows when her dog, Penny Lane, is sick.
"Penny seems to get food poisoning from anything that doesn't agree with her stomach," she said. "Not only does she vomit, when she's not all energetic and laying in her bed, I can tell that she's probably sick."
The Humane Society of the United States reports that approximately 74.8 million pet dogs are owned in the United States.
Modiano, who owns two dogs himself, said as dogs become a bigger part of owners' families, people will be more willing to have them treated for diseases, a situation which lends itself to research opportunities.
"I don't want to sound like this is the turning point that's going to cure cancer," he said. "It is an incremental, although important, finding in rounding out our understanding of why cancer happens in multiple species."
That, Modiano said, is the ultimate goal.
"Only as we understand cancer better in its most fundamental basis are we going to be able to develop strategies to help us prevent and treat it in both humans and pets," he said.
By Devin Henry
By nature, best friends have many things in common - favorite movies, similar hobbies and common interests.
But University researchers have recently found man's best friend may have something more substantial in common with their masters.
Jaime Modiano, a professor in oncology and comparative medicine, discovered that humans and dogs share a genetic link for certain types of cancer, which could help with human cancer research in the future.
Not only that, but the similarities happened naturally - researchers didn't need to induce the disease to see it in the animals.
Modiano called it "paradigm changing."
"This is the first time the abnormality has been documented in a species other than humans where the cancer happens spontaneously," he said.
Modiano said the cancer is related on the genetic level and it works a bit like a jigsaw puzzle.
Genes fit together like puzzle pieces in different ways, based on what the animal is. The genes remain the same despite the animal.
"The exact same genetic abnormality is associated with what would be exactly the same type of cancer in the two species," he said.
Modiano said this development could potentially lead to better cancer research, with the dogs as the subject.
Humans and dogs get cancer with the same frequency - about one-third of each species will get cancer at some point, Modiano said. As dog owners bring their pets in for treatment, researchers will be able to look into implications for human cancer through the dogs' treatment.
"It's one way in which dogs can help us accelerate the development of cancer therapy that would be really difficult to do if we didn't have access to this population," he said.
Jim Mickelson, a professor in veterinary biomedical studies, said humans and animals share many similar genes, and thus share traits such as hair color and conditions like arthritis and diabetes.
"With our genes being very similar, a lot of the genetic conditions that are due to mutations in those genes are similar," he said.
University researchers are also looking into canine epilepsy, Mickelson said, as well as certain muscle diseases in horses and how they relate to human conditions.
"It doesn't surprise me at all that there can be similar bases for conditions because of the overall similarity in the way molecular biology works," he said.
Senior global studies student Eleanora Franz said she isn't surprised to know that humans and dogs share genetic links for some conditions.
While it isn't cancer, Franz said she knows when her dog, Penny Lane, is sick.
"Penny seems to get food poisoning from anything that doesn't agree with her stomach," she said. "Not only does she vomit, when she's not all energetic and laying in her bed, I can tell that she's probably sick."
The Humane Society of the United States reports that approximately 74.8 million pet dogs are owned in the United States.
Modiano, who owns two dogs himself, said as dogs become a bigger part of owners' families, people will be more willing to have them treated for diseases, a situation which lends itself to research opportunities.
"I don't want to sound like this is the turning point that's going to cure cancer," he said. "It is an incremental, although important, finding in rounding out our understanding of why cancer happens in multiple species."
That, Modiano said, is the ultimate goal.
"Only as we understand cancer better in its most fundamental basis are we going to be able to develop strategies to help us prevent and treat it in both humans and pets," he said.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Unleashing a cure
Posted: Feb 19, 2008 04:02 PM EST
Updated: Feb 20, 2008 05:12 PM EST
West Lafayette - If someone you know or love has cancer, there's new hope thanks to a discovery made at Purdue University.
Biochemist Dr. Phillip Low has found a way to target and kill cancer cells without killing healthy cells. It's a treatment veterinarians at the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine hope will save a dog named Lucy.
Lucy is the companion of WTHR Executive Producer Margaret Cordes.
Margaret found out about the research after her ten-year-old Border collie mix developed a rare type of cancer that can spread quickly.
"I noticed her legs were swollen," Margaret recalled.
When she took Lucy to the vet, "She felt her joints and right away she looked a me and said, 'These joints are warm and that's not good.'"
Lucy has transitional cell carcinoma, or TCC, which is similar to invasive bladder cancer in people.
Her vet referred Lucy to Purdue where veterinarians removed a large mass from her abdomen. It was the size of a melon and involved one of her kidneys. The surgery was risky but successful.
Surgeons were hopeful until they spotted another tumor in Lucy's liver. The news was devastating for Margaret.
"A lot of people say, 'A dog is a dog.' Well, a dog is a part of a lot of people's families and this dog has been part of mine for ten years," Margaret said.
It's why Margaret volunteered Lucy for a study through Purdue's Comparative Oncology Program. The study could make medical history.
"For me it's not a choice. You have to try it," Margaret said. "I wasn't going to put her down with so much life in her. I wasn't ready for that and she wasn't ready for that."
In late January, Lucy became the first dog with cancer to undergo a diagnostic test developed by Dr. Low.
As Chief of Clinical Oncology Dr. Deborah Knapp said, "[This] visit is all about learning how extensive Lucy's cancer is. Then with this information the next step would be to begin treatment."
Veterinary techs began the procedure by injecting Lucy with a radioactive dye that seeks out and sticks to certain cancer cells, making them easy to spot under a special camera.
As Dr. Knapp said, that allows them to know where the cancer is "without having to biopsy all those sites."
What researchers didn't know before injecting Lucy was if the radioactive dye would stick to the type of cancer cells she has.
After sedating her, they placed Lucy under a special camera and watched the images of her unfold on a computer screen. Certain areas glowed or lit up, indicating the presence of tumors. The test was working. The dye was sticking to the cancer cells.
The medical team, led by Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler, was ecstatic.
"We know in humans there are folate receptors in tumors, but we've never done a dog," Rothenbuhler said.
What they found was promising not just for the study but for Lucy as well.
Researchers believe this same method of detecting cancer also could be used to treat it, sending cancer-killing drugs only to the tumor, not to healthy cells like standard chemo does now.
Rothenbuhler told Margaret Lucy's test could mark a turning point in their research.
"I have a company that would potentially like to license their cancer therapy. To be able to go to them and say, 'Look, we have our first tumor,' might jump them on board and put some money into it and [having Lucy here] could potentially help," he said.
That company is Endocyte, Inc, also based in West Lafayette. This is about more than helping Lucy, as her cancer is similar to a type of bladder cancer in humans.
"And in humans there is still a great need to improve the methods to detect and treat it," Dr. Knapp said. "Therefore, what we learn in dogs may help us figure out better ways to deal with this cancer in humans."
The significance was not lost on Margaret, whose 80-year-old father has been fighting bladder cancer for ten years.
"I thought to myself, 'Oh, my gosh, if this can help in the future, someone else when their father has bladder cancer or they have it, there may be a way to treat it earlier,'" she said.
Lucy received standard chemotherapy following the first test. The Purdue vets are quick to point out that the side effects of chemo are usually less severe in dogs than in people. Lucy was back to chasing squirrels in her backyard the following day.
Three weeks later, she returned for a repeat test. It indicated the cancer had spread. But this time, instead of standard chemo, Lucy may become the first dog to receive the targeted treatment.
Margaret knows it probably won't save Lucy's life.
"You always wonder why is this happening," Margaret said. "And I can't make her live two, three, four or five more years but if I know I've done everything I can do and that we've found something, then maybe someone else won't have to go through this. You have to keep trying."
Margaret says Lucy is doing great on the treatment, with daily walks and begging to play ball. Lucy's veterinarians remind us that dogs do not suffer through chemotherapy like humans do.
Learn more about the research
Updated: Feb 20, 2008 05:12 PM EST
West Lafayette - If someone you know or love has cancer, there's new hope thanks to a discovery made at Purdue University.
Biochemist Dr. Phillip Low has found a way to target and kill cancer cells without killing healthy cells. It's a treatment veterinarians at the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine hope will save a dog named Lucy.
Lucy is the companion of WTHR Executive Producer Margaret Cordes.
Margaret found out about the research after her ten-year-old Border collie mix developed a rare type of cancer that can spread quickly.
"I noticed her legs were swollen," Margaret recalled.
When she took Lucy to the vet, "She felt her joints and right away she looked a me and said, 'These joints are warm and that's not good.'"
Lucy has transitional cell carcinoma, or TCC, which is similar to invasive bladder cancer in people.
Her vet referred Lucy to Purdue where veterinarians removed a large mass from her abdomen. It was the size of a melon and involved one of her kidneys. The surgery was risky but successful.
Surgeons were hopeful until they spotted another tumor in Lucy's liver. The news was devastating for Margaret.
"A lot of people say, 'A dog is a dog.' Well, a dog is a part of a lot of people's families and this dog has been part of mine for ten years," Margaret said.
It's why Margaret volunteered Lucy for a study through Purdue's Comparative Oncology Program. The study could make medical history.
"For me it's not a choice. You have to try it," Margaret said. "I wasn't going to put her down with so much life in her. I wasn't ready for that and she wasn't ready for that."
In late January, Lucy became the first dog with cancer to undergo a diagnostic test developed by Dr. Low.
As Chief of Clinical Oncology Dr. Deborah Knapp said, "[This] visit is all about learning how extensive Lucy's cancer is. Then with this information the next step would be to begin treatment."
Veterinary techs began the procedure by injecting Lucy with a radioactive dye that seeks out and sticks to certain cancer cells, making them easy to spot under a special camera.
As Dr. Knapp said, that allows them to know where the cancer is "without having to biopsy all those sites."
What researchers didn't know before injecting Lucy was if the radioactive dye would stick to the type of cancer cells she has.
After sedating her, they placed Lucy under a special camera and watched the images of her unfold on a computer screen. Certain areas glowed or lit up, indicating the presence of tumors. The test was working. The dye was sticking to the cancer cells.
The medical team, led by Dr. Ryan Rothenbuhler, was ecstatic.
"We know in humans there are folate receptors in tumors, but we've never done a dog," Rothenbuhler said.
What they found was promising not just for the study but for Lucy as well.
Researchers believe this same method of detecting cancer also could be used to treat it, sending cancer-killing drugs only to the tumor, not to healthy cells like standard chemo does now.
Rothenbuhler told Margaret Lucy's test could mark a turning point in their research.
"I have a company that would potentially like to license their cancer therapy. To be able to go to them and say, 'Look, we have our first tumor,' might jump them on board and put some money into it and [having Lucy here] could potentially help," he said.
That company is Endocyte, Inc, also based in West Lafayette. This is about more than helping Lucy, as her cancer is similar to a type of bladder cancer in humans.
"And in humans there is still a great need to improve the methods to detect and treat it," Dr. Knapp said. "Therefore, what we learn in dogs may help us figure out better ways to deal with this cancer in humans."
The significance was not lost on Margaret, whose 80-year-old father has been fighting bladder cancer for ten years.
"I thought to myself, 'Oh, my gosh, if this can help in the future, someone else when their father has bladder cancer or they have it, there may be a way to treat it earlier,'" she said.
Lucy received standard chemotherapy following the first test. The Purdue vets are quick to point out that the side effects of chemo are usually less severe in dogs than in people. Lucy was back to chasing squirrels in her backyard the following day.
Three weeks later, she returned for a repeat test. It indicated the cancer had spread. But this time, instead of standard chemo, Lucy may become the first dog to receive the targeted treatment.
Margaret knows it probably won't save Lucy's life.
"You always wonder why is this happening," Margaret said. "And I can't make her live two, three, four or five more years but if I know I've done everything I can do and that we've found something, then maybe someone else won't have to go through this. You have to keep trying."
Margaret says Lucy is doing great on the treatment, with daily walks and begging to play ball. Lucy's veterinarians remind us that dogs do not suffer through chemotherapy like humans do.
Learn more about the research
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research Sponsors Six Morris Animal Foundation Cancer Studies
DENVER, Feb 12, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research, http://www.petcancerawareness.com, a Connecticut-based organization dedicated to raising awareness for canine and feline cancer, has made a generous donation to Morris Animal Foundation (MAF: 12.98, +0.05, +0.38%) in the nonprofit's global effort to cure canine cancer and prevent feline cancer. The Blue Buffalo Foundation has provided financial sponsorship for two important feline cancer research studies and four important canine cancer research studies. The MAF Canine Cancer Campaign is seeking to prevent canine cancer, while immediately seeking treatment advancements to help dogs suffering from cancer today. Learn more and donate to the campaign at http://www.CureCanineCancer.org or http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org
"When our beloved dog Blue had his last bout with cancer, we realized there was a need to direct more resources toward animal cancer research and prevention," states David Petrie, co-founder and president of The Blue Buffalo Foundation. "We started the Blue Buffalo Co. (http://www.bluebuff.com), a healthy and holistic natural food for dogs and cats, and then created our charitable arm, the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research. We felt that the thorough and selective process Morris Animal Foundation has in place to choose and oversee health studies, in combination with their proven commitment to animal health, made them an ideal and like-minded partner for us."
Petrie believes that supporting canine and feline cancer research is an investment in the future of all animals, and his Foundation will continue to support Morris Animal Foundation in this important work. For a complete list of studies or to find out how to sponsor a study, please visit http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/studies or call 800-243-2345.
About Morris Animal Foundation: Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals in some 100 countries, spanning all seven continents on earth. MAF has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The Foundation has funded nearly 1,400 humane animal health studies with funds totaling more than $51 million. One hundred percent of annual, unrestricted contributions support animal health programs. For more information, call (800) 243-2345, or visit http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
"When our beloved dog Blue had his last bout with cancer, we realized there was a need to direct more resources toward animal cancer research and prevention," states David Petrie, co-founder and president of The Blue Buffalo Foundation. "We started the Blue Buffalo Co. (http://www.bluebuff.com), a healthy and holistic natural food for dogs and cats, and then created our charitable arm, the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research. We felt that the thorough and selective process Morris Animal Foundation has in place to choose and oversee health studies, in combination with their proven commitment to animal health, made them an ideal and like-minded partner for us."
Petrie believes that supporting canine and feline cancer research is an investment in the future of all animals, and his Foundation will continue to support Morris Animal Foundation in this important work. For a complete list of studies or to find out how to sponsor a study, please visit http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/studies or call 800-243-2345.
About Morris Animal Foundation: Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals in some 100 countries, spanning all seven continents on earth. MAF has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The Foundation has funded nearly 1,400 humane animal health studies with funds totaling more than $51 million. One hundred percent of annual, unrestricted contributions support animal health programs. For more information, call (800) 243-2345, or visit http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Unique Gift for Valentine's Day: Canine Cancer Campaign Customized Dog Tag - for Your Dog or as a Beautiful Piece of Jewelry for a Special Human
PR Newswire
Article Last Updated: 01/18/2008 05:00:47 AM MST
DENVER, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Here's a way to deliver a unique Valentine Day gift for the dogs and or very special humans in your life. Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is offering a beautiful Canine Cancer Campaign pet tag to donors contributing $50 or more to the MAF canine cancer cure research effort. Receive an additional engraved tag for each $50 contribution. Each tag can be personally engraved with your dogs name and information or the special message you desire. The tag celebrates and commemorates the life of our "best friends" of today and those that have left this life. The tag can also be worn by the pet owner as a distinctive piece of jewelry. Go to https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/lucky_pet_order to make a donation and order your MAF Canine Cancer Campaign tags.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040701/LAMAFLOGO)
In April 2007 MAF launched a global research effort to discover new, effective treatments to help dogs suffering from cancer today, while finding cures for this devastating disease in dogs. One in four dogs will die of cancer. Indeed, some breeds have an even higher incidence of cancer death: 60% of Golden Retrievers die of cancer. Breakthroughs in canine cancer are helping engender research in human cancer treatment. Learn more at: http://www.curecaninecancer.org, and http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org.
About Morris Animal Foundation:
Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals in some 100 countries, spanning all seven continents on earth. MAF has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The Foundation has funded nearly 1,400 humane animal health studies with funds totaling more than $51 million. One hundred percent of annual donations go to fund health study programs. For more information, call (800) 243-2345, or visit http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
Article Last Updated: 01/18/2008 05:00:47 AM MST
DENVER, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Here's a way to deliver a unique Valentine Day gift for the dogs and or very special humans in your life. Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is offering a beautiful Canine Cancer Campaign pet tag to donors contributing $50 or more to the MAF canine cancer cure research effort. Receive an additional engraved tag for each $50 contribution. Each tag can be personally engraved with your dogs name and information or the special message you desire. The tag celebrates and commemorates the life of our "best friends" of today and those that have left this life. The tag can also be worn by the pet owner as a distinctive piece of jewelry. Go to https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/lucky_pet_order to make a donation and order your MAF Canine Cancer Campaign tags.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040701/LAMAFLOGO)
In April 2007 MAF launched a global research effort to discover new, effective treatments to help dogs suffering from cancer today, while finding cures for this devastating disease in dogs. One in four dogs will die of cancer. Indeed, some breeds have an even higher incidence of cancer death: 60% of Golden Retrievers die of cancer. Breakthroughs in canine cancer are helping engender research in human cancer treatment. Learn more at: http://www.curecaninecancer.org, and http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org.
About Morris Animal Foundation:
Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals in some 100 countries, spanning all seven continents on earth. MAF has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The Foundation has funded nearly 1,400 humane animal health studies with funds totaling more than $51 million. One hundred percent of annual donations go to fund health study programs. For more information, call (800) 243-2345, or visit http://www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.
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