Cross posting this for Elizabeth. She just set up an account here but it isn't activated yet....
Important Cancer Research
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The Van Andel Research Institute, a world class human cancer research
institute, recently received a Federally fund grant through the National
Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, to study five types of cancer
that occur in BOTH dogs and humans. The ultimate goal is to develop improved
diagnostics and more individualized therapies for both canines and people.
We are requesting the help of purebred dog owners, who may own a dog
affected with one of these cancers. The five initial cancers we are
studying are:
1) Hemangiosarcoma
2) Lymphoma (aka Lymphosarcoma, LSA)
3) Osteosarcoma
4) Malignant histiocytosis
5) Melanoma of the mouth or toe
We are requesting fresh (NOT in formalin, NOT frozen) tissue samples
from tumors, when pets have biopsies, surgeries such as splenectomies, or are
euthanized. Samples may be collected post mortem, as the euthanasia solution
does not affect the DNA in either the dog's blood or in the tumor cells.
Additionally, if you have a dog with one of these cancers who has
already been treated (splenectomy, chemo, etc), we would still
appreciate a blood sample along with a histopath report confirming the
diagnosis. We need 3-5 mls of whole blood in an EDTA (purple top) tube. It can
be sent priority mail, and blood can be shipped at room temperature.
If the pet is scheduled for surgery or, sadly, euthanasia, if you or
your veterinarian contacts us ahead of time, we can FedEx a collection kit which
includes an overnight FedEx return shipping form, along with collection media
and containers.
Owner consent forms and veterinary info pages can be found on our
website, at: http://www.vai.org/helpingdogs
I will be happy to answer any questions I can, as well. Owners,
veterinarians and researchers working together will help us to unravel some of
the mysteries of these nasty diseases.
Roe Froman, DVM
Senior Veterinary Research Scientist
Van Andel Research Institute
333 Bostwick Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.234.5556
roe.froman@...
http://www.vai.org