We can learn a lot from our canine pals.
Comparative oncology is the study of naturally occurring cancers in pets and humans in order to better understand the disease and potential treatment options. In fact, cancer is the number one killer of pets older than ten years.
Dogs are physiologically and genetically very similar to us. In fact, scientists have mapped out the entire canine genomeThe full set of genes in an organism. Humans have an estimated 25,000 protein-encoding genes in their genome.! Dogs are 87 percent genetically similar to us. The biology of bone cancer, lymphomaA cancer arising in the lymphatic system. The white blood cells affected are part of the body's immune system. The lymphatic system is a large network of vessels that carry fluid and cells of the immune system around the body. Lymph nodes are regional collection centers in the lymphatic system. See also, 'lymphatic system'., and bladder cancer are almost identical in humans and dogs. How is that? The genetic mutations that cause cancer to develop are the same in both species. This means that treatments that work for dogs should be useful for humans too.
For example, for a type of bone cancer (osteosarcomaCancer of the bone. Osteosarcomas are derived from osteoblasts, cells that line the outside of bones. It is most common among children and young adults and affects males more than females.), the intensive research done in dogs has lead to major strides in discovering treatments for children. Surgical techniques and reconstruction after surgery used for dogs are now being used for children too.
Recently, immunotherapyA treatment for a disease (including cancer) that involves the modulation of the immune system. Treatments include the administration of cytokines (proteins produced by cells of the immune system) and vaccinations. has been used to slow down or prevent the spread of bone cancer in dogs. Because of this, the FDA has fast tracked this treatment to be used for humans too.
Top