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

LaPerm

Elegant and athletic, the active LaPerm is also an excellent lap cat with an affectionate, gregarious, and inquisitive nature. They make superb family pets.
Eskipoo

The Eskipoo is a cross between a Poodle and American Eskimo dog. They love to play and have a good time, making them a great breed for with children.
A Bulldog Is The Best Sister A Little Girl Can Have

Adora-bull photographs portray the special bond of a canine and human sisterhood For some kids, a dog is a sibling. Case in point: Harper and her Bulldog, Lo…
Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Frozen Turkey With Bone Dog Food

Blue Ridge Beef is voluntarily recalling one of its frozen products due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Best Car Door Covers

We’ve rounded up the 10 best car door covers for pet owners that want to keep their vehicles pristine – read on to find a perfect match!
Rattle Dog

The Rattle Dog is a cute combo of the clever Poodle and the stubborn American Rat Terrier. An intelligent, loving little dog that''s great with kids.
Eco-Friendly PawNosh Fire Hose Bowls Perfect For Dogs on the Go

Are you an on-the-go pet parent who happens to be eco-conscious? We''ve got a collapsible dog bowl for you - the PawNosh Fire Hose Bowl.
The Shocking Truth About Dogs and Garlic

There is a lot of controversy surrounding dogs and garlic on the Internet. Thanks to the research efforts of experts, many believe garlic is good for dogs.
We’re All Ears for the Neko Cat Ears Motorcycle Helmet

Safety has never looked this fur-ocious before! Cat-inspired helmets are purr-fect for feline-lovin'' motorcycle mamas.
FDA Stumped After Jerky Treats Made In China Linked To Nearly 600 Pet

How’s this for scary – federal animal health officials are saying that nearly 600 pets have died and more than 3,600 have taken ill after eating…
Flea And Tick Control: Fact Or Myth?

True or false? When it comes to flea and tick information, lucky guesses just won''t cut it. Get the facts on how to control these pests.
Cagle’s Map Turtle

The Cagle''s Map Turtle, which is only found in Texas and is the only Map Turtle that''s mostly green in color, is endangered and rare.
DIY No-Sew Pet Bed

Budget-friendly and easy to make, this DIY dog bed won''t cost you more than $15 and you can make it under and hour. Plus, your pet will absolutely love it!
Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound

Known for his wiry coat and hunting ability, the Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a scent hound that was developed in Croatia.
Paradise Fish

Paradise fish are a colorful species of freshwater fish belonging to the gourami family. They were the first tropical fish to be imported 150 years ago.