2008 Woodie Awards
A K-9 cancer curer
Grace Fletcher
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: World
- Page 1 of 1
It has a wagging tail, a protruding snout, gives slobbery smooches, and is willing to chase after a ball for hours. This may be the description of America's furry, best friend but there might be another name for this loveable pet: cancer cure.
Studies done in the UK have shown that the osteosarcoma in dogs is molecularly similar to bone cancer found in children. More than 80 percent of affected children risk losing a limb if stricken with this serious cancer. By identifying the cancer stem cell that is resistant to treatment, scientists see possibility in targeting the most common form of bone tumor in young people.
"Who knew that my pet pooch, that usually drags his hind parts across the living room carpet and barks at inanimate objects, could possibly be the next step to curing such a life altering disease," said junior Erin Baker.
The causes for osteosarcoma are unknown, but it is thought that children who inherit a rare tumor of the eye, retinoblastoma, are more susceptible.
"If they can figure out how to effectively eliminate (osteosarcoma) cells in dogs perhaps they could use the same types of therapies in the treatment of Osteosarcoma in humans," said Assistant Professor of Biology Michele Malotky. "The problem that these researchers are looking at has to do with the fact that these 'rogue' stem cells (unlike their progeny) are resistant to the standard therapeutic regimens, including radiation and chemotherapy."
Although these treatments will eliminate the cancer cells produced from the stem cells, the stem cells are still capable of producing more cancer cells.
"The rogue cancer stem cell is key in the whole process," said Professor David Argyle of the Royal Vet School at the University of Edinburgh to BBC News. "We identified it by growing cells in particularly harsh conditions, but whereas other cancer cells died off, this stem cell was able to survive."
So next time you are scratching behind the ears of your precious pooch, think about the service Cujo could provide in the future for he may be the missing link in the vicious circle of osteosarcoma cancer.
Studies done in the UK have shown that the osteosarcoma in dogs is molecularly similar to bone cancer found in children. More than 80 percent of affected children risk losing a limb if stricken with this serious cancer. By identifying the cancer stem cell that is resistant to treatment, scientists see possibility in targeting the most common form of bone tumor in young people.
"Who knew that my pet pooch, that usually drags his hind parts across the living room carpet and barks at inanimate objects, could possibly be the next step to curing such a life altering disease," said junior Erin Baker.
The causes for osteosarcoma are unknown, but it is thought that children who inherit a rare tumor of the eye, retinoblastoma, are more susceptible.
"If they can figure out how to effectively eliminate (osteosarcoma) cells in dogs perhaps they could use the same types of therapies in the treatment of Osteosarcoma in humans," said Assistant Professor of Biology Michele Malotky. "The problem that these researchers are looking at has to do with the fact that these 'rogue' stem cells (unlike their progeny) are resistant to the standard therapeutic regimens, including radiation and chemotherapy."
Although these treatments will eliminate the cancer cells produced from the stem cells, the stem cells are still capable of producing more cancer cells.
"The rogue cancer stem cell is key in the whole process," said Professor David Argyle of the Royal Vet School at the University of Edinburgh to BBC News. "We identified it by growing cells in particularly harsh conditions, but whereas other cancer cells died off, this stem cell was able to survive."
So next time you are scratching behind the ears of your precious pooch, think about the service Cujo could provide in the future for he may be the missing link in the vicious circle of osteosarcoma cancer.
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