Knowledge Hub
Access valuable information to help pet owners and veterinarians improve canine health and quality of life.
General Cancer Research
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) funds innovative research aimed at discovering advanced diagnostic technologies and therapeutic targets for treating various types of canine cancers.
Read MoreBone Cancer in Dogs
Introduction Bone cancer can occur as a primary disease (originates from cells that normally reside in the bone space) or as a metastatic disease (spreads from cancers that arise elsewhere). In humans, most bone malignancies are metastases that arise from tumors outside the bone (breast, prostate). Primary bone tumors are less common, and osteosarcoma (primary […]
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Bone Cancer Research
The AKC Canine Health Foundation supports research that enhances our understanding of the basic behavioral.
Read MoreCanine Hemangiosarcoma – The Road from Despair to Hope
Michelle G. Ritt, DVM, DACVIM; Tessa Breen, BSc (Hons), Dip GD, CMM In following article, we describe the current state of knowledge for canine hemangiosarcoma, including what it is, why it may happen, and how it can be managed. In addition, we present recent findings from our programs that promise to help us improve our […]
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The Role of Pollution in Canine Cancer
Introduction Cancer is a multi-factorial disease influenced by genetic and environmental elements. With funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Dr. Lauren Trepanier and her team at the University of Wisconsin, Madison are examining how these factors affect the development of various cancers in dogs. So far, their research has demonstrated that canine bladder cancer […]
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Ripples in the Water – Chlorination and Cancer Risk in Dogs
Introduction Bladder cancer affects tens of thousands of dogs in the United States each year, with certain breeds like the Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Shetland Sheepdog being particularly susceptible. This suggests a genetic influence on cancer risk, but environmental factors also play a large role in triggering this type of cancer. We […]
Read More01502-A: Myxoma Virus Oncolytic Therapy in Mouse Models of Canine Cancer
Novel cancer treatments are needed to minimize patient discomfort caused by cancer therapy and eliminate failure of current treatment modalities. The use of oncolytic viral vectors is an exciting therapeutic option that deserves further study. This project was designed to determine if the poxvirus, myxoma virus (MYXV), can be used to eliminate cancer cells and […]
Read MoreTangible Outcomes in Canine Oncology Research
Since 1995 the AKC Canine Health Foundation has awarded 191 oncology grants and funded nearly $11 million in canine cancer research. This would not be possible without your support. The scientific results that you made possible have helped move veterinary medicine forward, advancing the health of all dogs. While these are just a few of […]
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Hope for Diagnosing and Treating Histiocytic Malignancies in Dogs
Introduction If you own a Bernese Mountain Dog, Flat-Coated Retriever, or another large breed, this breakthrough could be life-changing. A devastating cancer called histiocytic malignancy (HM) is striking these dogs at alarming rates, and researchers are finally uncovering why. Thanks to cutting-edge genetic research funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation, scientists are identifying the […]
Read MorePromising Drug Treatment for Brain Tumors
Meningioma is cancer of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common intracranial tumor in humans and accounts for approximately half of all primary brain tumors in dogs. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice but is not always possible due to tumor size and location or overall patient health. […]
Read More01698-A: Immunohistochemical quantification of the transcobalamin II protein and receptor in naturally occurring canine tumors.
According to the National Cancer Institute, a dog is diagnosed with cancer every 5 seconds in the United States each year. Despite advances in research, only one drug is currently FDA-approved for treatment of cancer in dogs. Unfortunately, use of this drug is limited to certain tumor types, and is complicated by adverse side effects. […]
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New Treatment Strategies for Canine Mammary Tumors
Introduction Canine mammary tumors are a serious concern for many dog owners, especially those with older or intact female dogs. While these tumors are often treatable, they can be malignant and may recur or spread after surgery. Recent research funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is changing how veterinarians approach treatment. Breakthroughs in […]
Read More0002254A: Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in Canine Lymphoma and Osteosarcoma
Lymphoma (cancer of lymph glands) and osteosarcoma (bone cancer) are two common cancers of dogs with remarkable breed predisposition. Lymphoma accounts for approximately 20 percent of all canine tumors, and > 80 percent of cancers originating from blood cells. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs, accounting for 85 percent of skeletal cancers. […]
Read More0002254B: Heritable and Sporadic Genetic Lesions in Canine Lymphoma and Osteosarcoma
Lymphoma (cancer of lymph glands) and osteosarcoma (bone cancer) are two common cancers of dogs with remarkable breed predisposition. Lymphoma accounts for approximately 20 percent of all canine tumors, and > 80 percent of cancers originating from blood cells. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in dogs, accounting for 85 percent of skeletal cancers. […]
Read More03307-A: Vanishing Y: Unraveling Loss of the Y chromosome in Canine Solid Cancers
In human male health, the loss of the Y chromosome, a condition known as LOY, has been linked to the development and severity of cancer. We recently have revealed that LOY is also present in canine blood cancers, correlating with a more severe form of the disease. This research aims to expand this knowledge by […]
Read More02487: OX40 Checkpoint Molecule Targeted Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy in Dogs
Checkpoint molecules play a key role in regulating T cell immunity against cancer (T cells are one type of immune cell called lymphocytes). Clinical trials of antibody therapeutics that target checkpoint molecules such as PD-1 in human oncology (e.g., Opdiva, Keytruda) have demonstrated remarkable results in inducing tumor regressions and cures, against a variety of […]
Read More00841-A: Pharmacokinetics and Phase I Clinical Trial of High-Dose Intermittent Oral Artemisinin in Dogs with Spontaneous Tumors
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer in dogs. The estimated incidence is 10,000 dogs per year in the United States. Many large- to giant-breeds are at increased risk for osteosarcoma. Recently, retired racing Greyhound have been reported as the highest-risk breed. Artemisinin is a drug that has been used anecdotally in dogs with […]
Read More01686-A: Identifying Drugs That Will Kill Cancer Stem Cells
Grant Status: Closed Grant Amount: $11,965.85 Kristine Elaine Burgess, DVM, MS; Tufts University February 1, 2012 – January 31, 2014 Sponsor(s): Havanese Club of America, University of Minnesota – DAF for EIC Royalties Breed(s): -All Dogs Research Program Area: Oncology Donate to Support this Research Program Area Project Summary Metformin (dimethylbiguanide) is an established oral […]
Read More03283: Investigating the Immune and Cytoreductive Activities of Gilvetmab Alone and in Combination with Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Inhibition in Canine Urothelial Carcinoma
Bladder cancer in dogs causes longstanding pain and discomfort with eventual death from the inability to urinate. In some dogs diagnosed with bladder cancer, supportive treatment with urinary catheters to alleviate urinary obstruction and intravenous fluids to support general kidney health can improve quality of life for a short period of time. However, few treatment […]
Read More02244-A: Beyond Peto’s Paradox with the Geriatric Peromyscus
A Collaborative Grant between Triangle Center for Evolutionary Medicine (TriCEM) and AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) Cancer is a heterogeneous or widely divergent collection of diseases with a similarly wide variety of outcomes, natural histories and responses to therapy. While new medical and genomic data have shed light on the molecular mechanisms causing cancer, why […]
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