New Canine Cancer Research Findings Could Benefit People, Too

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Veterinarians at Mississippi State University are searching for new ways to understand cancer in dogs — turns out, their findings may help us as well.

The research team at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine started small, investigating the differences between healthy blood platelets and those from pooches that had developed cancer.

“We have a lot to gain by looking at platelets and how they influence cancer and healing,” says Dr. Camillo Bulla. “A part of our research is looking at the platelet. The platelet is very small, but it gives us a large picture. We hope to be able to find a tumor much sooner by taking a series of blood samples to look at platelet contents.”

Related:New Blood Test Helps Diagnose Canine Cancer

To spread, cancers need for new blood vessels to be created. The research team is looking at the way platelets interact with tumor cells as they try to spread throughout the body. They don’t yet know what exactly the platelets do for the metastasizing tumor, but it’s one of the questions they hope to answer through their work.

The lab has developed a new way to separate platelets from blood samples with much less contamination from other cells, a technique that’s superior to any other ever used by researchers in both human and veterinary medicine.

Related:Man And His Dog Walk 1200 Miles For Cancer

Now, the team at MSU has researchers from around the country reaching out to learn about their new platelet purification technique.

Thanks to their discovery, the team will be able to take the components of a normal, healthy platelet and compare them to platelets from dogs with cancer. From here, they’ll identify which proteins might play a role in the spread and growth of tumors.

Scientists doing research on cancer in humans will be able to use the same purification process to study human blood platelets and compare them to cancer platelets.

The species may be different, but the applications are the same.

The team hopes that one day, their research will make it possible to use a simple blood test to detect early cancer or signs of cancer metastasis.

“As veterinarians, we are focused on treating cancer in dogs and we get the bonus of also helping advance treatment of human cancers,” says Dr. Kari Lunsford.

[Source: Science Daily]

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Amazing Therapy Dogs Help Diabetics Live Healthier, Happier Lives

Is there anything dogs can’t do? Non-profit organization Dogs4Diabetics is training therapy dogs to detect low blood sugar. More and more, we’re…

How Second-Hand Smoke Affects Your Dog

Need another good reason to quit smoking? That nasty habit could be killing your dog! You probably already know the dangers of second-hand smoke for infants…

Dogs Can Party With Snoopy This October During Dog Days At Kings Islan

Get ready for a howling good time – Dogs can get their Halloween thrills at the theme park’s Dog Days celebration October has begun and that mean…

Neapolitan Mastiff

Although not aggressive by nature, the Neapolitan Mastiff has the look that will scare off any intruder. This breed is truly a gentle giant and gentleman.

Paralysis in Cats: Causes and Treatments

Paralysis is defined as the loss of feeling and muscle movement anywhere in the body. Cats can be diagnosed with partial or complete paralysis.

Fetching Tips For Transitioning Fido To Fall

As the leaves begin to drop, it''s a sure sign to pet parents that we need to get our dogs ready for fall. Be prepared for the season with these timely tips.

Pawsome Cat Products You Can Buy on Etsy

We love shopping on Etsy! It''s the best place to buy handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts for your kitty.

Do You Have Spay And Neuter Options?

You don’t want to spay or neuter your dog – but you do have other options when it comes to controlling the pet population You might be surprised…

5 Essential Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Travel Tips

We''ve got the recipe for safe and stress-free travel with your dog this Thanksgiving. You need to plan in advance - you''ll be thankful that you did!

About 50% of Fortune 500 Companies Offer Pet Insurance to Employees

People are looking for job benefits that include pets. Pet insurance is a popular perk, as nearly half of Fortune 500 companies offer this to its employees.

Beaglier

The Beaglier is a mix of Beagle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These adorable pooches crave human attention and will be stuck to your side.

DIY Pinata Dog Halloween Costume

It''s time for a fiesta - and you''ll need a piñata. For Halloween, dress up your dog as a piñata with this easy-to-make costume that''s muy caliente.

Airedale Terrier

Of all the terriers, there may be none that so embody what we imagine this type of dog to be than an Airedale Terrier. They are known as quick learners.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: All That Miss Behav-in’

It takes a village to raise a dog. But how do you reel in unruly behavior when you''re lending a helping hand by walking family member''s pooch?

Boxfish

Known as trunkfish, cowfish and cofferfish; boxfish are a family of bony marine fish. They are known for their square shaped body and heavy armored scales.