Originally from Mexico City, Dr. Modiano completed his undergraduate work in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University. He went on to veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned a PhD in Immunology. He went on to a residency in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Colorado State University and a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine.
Dr. Modiano served on the faculty in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology atTexasA&MUniversitybetween 1995 and 1999. He then returned toDenverfor appointments at theAMCCancerResearchCenterand he was Associate Professor of Immunology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. In July of 2007, Dr. Modiano joined theCollegeofVeterinary Medicineand theComprehensiveCancerCenterat theUniversityofMinnesota, where he continues his research program as Professor of Comparative Oncology holding the Al and June Perlman Endowed Chair.
His research program has had uninterrupted support from federal and private sources for over 16 years, leading to co-authorship of more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, and approximately 200 abstracts, presentations, and book chapters focused on various aspects of immunology, cancer cell biology, the genetic basis of cancer and applications of gene therapy.
At the time of the award presenation, the AKC Canine Health Foundation had awarded Dr. Modiano nearly $1.2 million for eight research projects. He received his first grant from the Foundation in 1998 to study tumor suppressor genes in canine cancer and continues to receive funding today for hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma treatments.
His work has significantly progressed our understanding of canine cancer. We understand more about the heritable breed specific risks of certain types of cancer. Most recently, Dr. Modiano’s team discovered a gene pattern that distinguishes the more severe form of bone cancer from a less aggressive form in dogs. This discovery has significant implications for how osteosarcoma patients are treated. And in addition to being a leading researcher, Dr. Modiano is also a great partner for the AKC Canine Health Foundation. He frequently provides CHF with educational materials and speaks to the Foundation’s constituents on his research.