October 2011

A research team led by Jaime Modiano, V.M.D., Ph.D., a College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Center expert in comparative medicine, has recently discovered a gene pattern in dogs that differentiates a form of aggressive bone cancer from a less aggressive type of the cancer. As bone cancer tends to progress unpredictably with its course and level of severity varying widely, the Modiano team’s discovery could be used to help doctors choose the best treatments plans for those suffering from bone cancer.

Dogs are the only other animal besides humans to develop bone cancer with a high level of frequency. In fact, dogs are significantly more likely to develop bone cancer than are humans.  And, bone cancers in humans and dogs are quite similar with the gene patterns being an exact match. As a result, Modiano team’s discovery could have positive implications for people and dogs alike. Modiano explains, “Our findings pave the way to develop laboratory tests that can predict the behavior of this tumor … Patients with less aggressive disease could be treated conservatively, reducing the side effects and the risks associated with treatment, while patients with more aggressive disease could be treated with more intense therapy.”

Modiano’s research study was funded by American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, the Kate Koogler Canine Cancer Fund and the National Cancer Institute.