Much of medical science derived for human treatment programs is based on earlier research involving animal models. A team of scientists at the College of Veterinary Medicine has received a grant to support studies applying human medical knowledge to dogs in the detection of breast cancer.

Dr. Eric Fish, a clinical lecturer and doctoral candidate in the Department of Pathobiology, in collaboration with Dr. Annette Smith, the Lowder Distinguished Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, and Dr. Curt Bird, a professor in the Department of Pathobiology, recently received a $28,458 grant from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Foundation for their study titled, “Circulating MicroRNA as Predictive Biomarkers for Canine Mammary Neoplasia.” Their research explores if microRNA blood markers can be used to accurately detect breast cancer in dogs and also to predict how well patients will respond to treatment.

Breast cancer is common among dogs — just as in humans — and the disease shares characteristics among both at the genetic level, according to Dr. Fish.

“MicroRNA as a marker has been in use in human medicine for some five or so years,” Dr. Fish said. “But it really has not been used clinically with veterinary medicine.” …continue reading this article on Canine Chronicle

Source: The Canine Chronicle