• Health Survey
• Survey Statistics
• Hip Dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cystinuria
• Seizures
• Cancer
• Health Award Winners
• Awards FAQ
• Sample Awards
• Longevity Certificates
• LC Holders
• Sample LC

Mastiff Health - Cancer

The MCOA Cancer Committee continues to work with several investigators to provide blood samples to help further their research. Research is being done on many fronts. From working on isolating the genes responsible for heritable cancer, developing new treatment options, as well as determining which will dogs will be at greatest risk to develop cancer thereby making early diagnosis the best chance for cure.

CURRENT RESEARCH

The Dog Genome Project at Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT. Chief Investigators Dr.Kerstin Lindblad-Toh and Dr. Kenine Comstock

Osteosarcoma: Eight to ten thousand cases of bone cancer, also known as osteosarcoma, are reported in dogs in the United States annually. Osteosarcoma affects all dogs, but the occurrence is considerably higher in large and giant breeds, including our Mastiffs. Genetics is suspected to play an important role in this disease. The researchers have initiated a project to indentify the genetric risk factors for osteosarcoma. This study will lead to improvements in understanding the cause of bone cancer and ultimately lead to better treatment. In addition, the study will allow for the development of genetic tests for osteosarcoma. Blood samples are needed from healthy mastiffs, especially those over 8 years old and mastiffs affected with bone cancer. AKC number and/or pedigree is needed to participate. This information is confidential and is only made know to the investigators. More information can be found at www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog.

Canine Cancer: 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. Indentification of such genes could lead to carrier testing, a better understanding of the disease and long term better treatments for the disease for both dogs and humans. For each of the following diseases researchers need blood samples from affected dogs as well as blood samples from healthy older mastiffs (>8yrs).

These cancers include: osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mammary tumors, melanoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. More information can be found at www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog .

Genetics of Canine Cancer: This program is part of a collaborative effort between Dr. Jaime Modiano of the University of Colorado at Denver and Dr. Matthew Breen of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Elaine Ostrander of The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD among others. Research projects within this program are supported by Canine Health Foundation, along with several breed clubs and animal health organizations. The main purpose of this research program is to determine how genes impact the development of cancer in dogs. Specifically, the researchers will study abnormalities in genes and chromosomes in canine lymphoma, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and melanoma to determine if these abnormalities are inherited and to assess their clinical significance (that is, if they are predictive regarding response to treatment and prognosis. This study will require the collection of tissue, which requires a biopsy or excision of the tumor. For more information on this study visit http://www.modianolab.org/studyInfo/studyInfo_index.html

Canine Osteosarcoma and Pain Management: Dr. Timothy Fan of the University of Illinois. Dr. Fan�s group is interested looking at pain management in patients with osteosarcoma. Dr. Fan studies how bone cells behave in osteosarcoma and how the change in cellular behavior results in the stimulation of pain. The aim of the study is to develop therapies that will help alleviate pain resulting from the tumor formation. To reduce malignant bone pain one approach would be to target and kill the actual cancer cells, usually with radiation therapy and/or systemic chemotherapy. Indirectly, the cells that result in pain may be targeted for destruction. Two drugs used for this are the amniobisphosphonates, Pamidronate and Zoledronate, both of which can decrease the complications associated with bone malignancies. Dr. Fan showed that amniobisphosphonates affect cells in the patient as well as in tissue culture. Using a group of 43 dogs, the study evaluated clinical response in patients and correlated these with their biological response.

This research is especially interesting to the Cancer Committee because our breed typically does not do well with amputation. This is considered a palliative approach, but has been found to enhance survival rates with improved quality of life. The goals of veterinary oncology and palliative care have always been well aligned since quality of life has been the overriding concern for animals undergoing cancer treatment.
 

STATISTICS:

We have submitted 141 blood samples to the Broad Institute Canine Cancer Genome Study as of March 2007. The breakdown is as follows:

117 samples of healthy mastiffs under age 8

12 samples of healthy mastiffs over age 8 (control group)

12 samples of mastiffs affected with osteosarcoma

SUMMARY:

This research is vitally important. Cancer is the most common cause of disease related death in dogs. The lifetime risk for cancer in our mastiffs is similar to that seen in people � approximately one of every two individuals will get cancer, and more than half of the affected dogs will die from their disease. According to a Morris Animal Foundation survey in 1997, cancer is the number killer of dogs at 47 percent and the number one concern of animal owners. Most of us have been touched by cancer in someway, whether it be ourselves, a family member or a beloved pet. We feel helpless and afraid just at the mention of the word. There are many brilliant scientists working on curing cancer, but they need our help. We can make a difference by providing them with the DNA that holds the answer to the cure and prevention of cancer. PLEASE allow your mastiffs to participate by having their blood drawn and submitting the samples. It is imperative that we reach our goals and have enough specimens submitted so that our breed is the next one to be studied. The work on Rottweilers and Greyhounds is almost complete, Mastiffs CAN be next with your help.

We especially need blood from veterans over the age of 8. The DNA from these unaffected dogs will be considered the control group to be compared to the DNA from mastiffs affected with cancer. Please remember this when you take your older mastiffs in for their check ups. Please contact Jenny Zinn-Boyce at jzinnboyce@aol.com or (562) 425-4108 for a Cancer Study Kit that can be taken to the vet with all the information needed to collect adequate samples.

Resources and general information websites:

www.vetcancersociety.org

www.bonecancerdogs.org

www.morrisanimalfoundation.org

www.perseusfoundation.org

Email groups are a wonderful source of support.

caninecancer@yahoogroups.com

bonecancerdogs@yahoogroups.com

caninecancercomfort@yahoogroups.com

CanineCancerAwareness@yahoogroups.com