AKC Canine Health Foundation marks pet cancer awareness month with new research grants
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs, marks Pet Cancer Awareness Month each May to highlight the impact of its funded canine cancer research. Already in 2023, CHF has awarded three new grants to study canine lymphoma, anal sac carcinoma, and bone cancer, according to a May 1 news release.
Cancer remains a major concern for dog owners and veterinary professionals. Approximately one quarter of CHF's active research portfolio is usually dedicated to studies exploring more accurate diagnostic tests and new treatments for canine cancer. Since 1995, CHF and its donors have invested more than $17.7 million to study cancer at the molecular level, conduct clinical trials for new treatments, and understand how the immune system interacts with cancer cells.
The newly awarded research grants are:
- Grant 03144: Lomustine, Asparaginase, Procarbazine and Prednisone (LAPP) for Canine Multicentric Lymphoma: A Practical Multiagent Chemotherapy Protocol that Avoids Injectable Cytotoxics, Principal Investigator Dr. Douglas Thamm, VMD, Colorado State University. A clinical trial of a new chemotherapy protocol using drugs that do not require special handling and therefore may be more widely available than currently used chemotherapy protocols.
- Grant 03103: Identification of Genetic Mutations in Anal Sac Carcinoma Development in English Cocker Spaniels, Part II – Validation, Principal Investigator Shaying Zhao, University of Georgia. Investigators will explore the genetic mutations that predispose English Cocker Spaniels to this cancer of the anal sacs.
- Grant 03095-A: Cell-Specific Expression of MicroRNAs in Primary and Metastatic Canine Osteosarcoma, Principal Investigator Dr. Geoffrey Wood, DVM, University of Guelph. Investigators will determine which cells produce a promising canine bone cancer biomarker that could help predict tumor behavior and dog survival time.
"CHF invests heavily in research to better understand canine cancer, which is so often a devastating and heartbreaking disease," said Dr. J. Charles Garvin, Chairman of the CHF Board of Directors. "In addition to helping our dogs live longer, healthier lives, this research often provides insight into similar human cancers. We know that both ends of the leash benefit when we work together to fight cancer, giving us more time with our beloved dogs."
These studies are part of CHF's $4.8 million research portfolio of active canine cancer grants. To learn more about the Foundation's commitment to canine cancer research, including educational resources and ways to participate in canine cancer research, visit akcchf.org/caninecancer.
About CHF
Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $67.5 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.
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