It is well known that man’s best friend, dogs, have genetic similarities to humans. The genetic difference between dogs and humans is minute according to Dr. Rodney page who is the professor of oncology and the director of the Flint Animal Cancer Center. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that man’s best friend is also providing assistance in cancer research to provide relief to people that are suffering from problems like melanoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
Researchers have begun studying dogs as a method for treating cancer in humans because dogs are also affected by cancers of various types. Researchers are hoping that the genetic similarities between dogs and humans may provide clues which can help in treating cancer more effectively.
They are using the method of comparative oncology which is a new field for integrating cancers which are noticed in veterinary patients to study the similarities between various types of cancers which occur naturally between humans and dogs. Doctors are estimating that about 400 to 500 diseases are genetically identical between the two species.
Awareness of comparative oncology has increased over the last five years to an extent where the National Cancer Institute was forced to release a significant sum of money for studying cancer in man’s best friend as a method of improving the health of humans mentioned Dr. Page.
3000 golden retrievers providing the lessons in cancer research
Scientists from the CSU are studying the incidences of cancer among 3000 golden retrievers that are prone to this problem and have the highest rates of this disease. These animals are being observed from their birth until their death.
The researchers are observing all aspects of these dogs including their interactions with their owners along with their eating and sleeping patterns and believe it may be a significant opportunity for them not just to study how they can improve the health and wellness of the animals but also apply similar practices to different aspects of human health.
The studies being conducted on dogs was helpful in saving the life of Emily Brown, 31, who was identified with cancer at the age of 11 when she was told she had just three months to live. Brown’s bone cancer which began from her ribs had spread to her spine and lungs leaving Brown concerned even about going to bed every night feeling she may never wake up in the morning. That was until doctors decided to offer her an experimental drug which had been created to treat cancer in dogs.
Brown’s treatment for immunotherapy was one among the four drugs that eventually were tested on humans after they were found positive for ameliorating cancer among dogs. The research was led by the Colorado State University which is one of the 20 prominent medical centers which are conducting clinical trials of drugs that could be beneficial for dogs.
Comparative oncology may be the key to cancer research
Brown recovered from cancer and survived and has been free from the problem for nearly 2 decades. However, her survival also indicated that comparative oncology might be the key to cancer research which can help humans to fight against cancer. It has also led to Brown being grateful for the canine research which was conducted and helped her to strengthen her bond with her best friend.
Man’s best friend has been helping us as a therapy guide and even working as service dogs. Dr. Page states that what is presently ongoing is presenting humans with an opportunity to give their companion animals an option to serve as the supporters of clinical research in a way that would be beneficial for them and their functions.
Will animal-rights activists support research using dogs?
Animal rights activists are in the forefront for disputing any research which is conducted on animals especially after knowledge filtered out that manufacturers of cosmetics were treating animals inhumanely.
The possibilities of activists adopting a similar view of comparative oncology also remain high considering they just need an opportunity to begin protesting. However, one hopes that they will be prohibited from protesting because comparative oncology is using humans for clinical trials with drugs which had been manufactured for the purpose of treating animals.
Dogs, man’s best friend doesn’t seem to have any problems with the trials and neither should animal-rights activists because the trials are being conducted for the betterment of human health.