The research conducted in this study will provide the basis for future research that may, ultimately, lead to scientists being able to provide a better assessment of individuals’ risks for cancer (or for cancer in progeny), as well as determine whether a given dog is a good candidate for a given therapy. This project has helped to broaden the understanding of why tumors happen, so that the abnormalities can be targeted and better therapies devised. Researchers developed and tested gene therapy for melanoma. In a clinical trial involving five dogs with facial or oral melanoma, it was found that the gene therapy, in which tumors were injected with modified genes, was both free of adverse effects and effective.