AKC Canine Health Foundation Marks Pet Cancer Awareness Month with Investments in Canine Cancer Research Initiative

MEDIA CONTACT:
Bradford Brady
Director of Development & Communications
AKC Canine Health Foundation
Phone: 919-334-4023
E-mail: bradford.brady@akcchf.org

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

RALEIGH, NC (April 30, 2019) - The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (CHF) marks Pet Cancer Awareness Month this May with the launch of their Canine Cancer Research Initiative. The focus of this initiative is to direct research funding that will advance understanding, treatment and prevention of canine cancer to benefit dogs. With almost $2.3 million already invested in currently active canine cancer research, new oncology grants were recently awarded to study brain tumors, melanoma, osteosarcoma and lymphoma, including:

• 02663: Comparative Brain Tumor Consortium (CBTC) Meningioma Pathology Board
• 02643-A:  Examination of the Effects of Cannabidiol on Canine Neoplastic Cell Apoptosis/Autophagy and Chemotherapy Resistance or Sensitivity
• 02642-A:  NF-kappaB Inactivation Enhances Apoptosis in Canine Osteosarcoma Cells
• 02636-A:  Development of RNA in-situ Hybridization to Identify T Regulatory Cells and their Function within the Tumor Microenvironment of Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma
• 02595-A:  Defining the Flow Cytometric Characteristics of Normal and Diseased Canine Spleen and Visceral Lymph Nodes

These studies complement ongoing canine cancer studies for hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, bladder cancer, and more. Information on all active studies can be found in CHF’s Research Grants Portfolio, including studies funded through CHF’s Hemangiosarcoma Research Initiative.

“The AKC Canine Health Foundation has a longstanding commitment to canine cancer research. The Canine Cancer Research Initiative provides an opportunity to advance our understanding of cancer in dogs while also exploring new targets for their diagnosis and treatment,” states Dr. Diane Brown, CHF Chief Executive Officer. “With the support generated through this initiative, CHF can resource more research to help dogs while also informing a comparative oncology aspect to the same cancers that affect people. Together with our donors, we are making progress in the fight against cancer.”

The increase in canine cancer research funding is bolstered by the American Kennel Club’s pledge to match donations to the Canine Cancer Research Initiative with an equal donation to CHF for canine health research up to $250,000 in 2019.

Since 1995, CHF has invested more than $13 million to study canine cancer in search of ways to diagnose cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. Learn more about AKC Canine Health Foundation’s Canine Cancer Research Initiative and join the fight against cancer at www.akcchf.org/caninecancer.

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About the AKC Canine Health Foundation

Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $46 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.