Collaborative cancer program to benefit animals and humans

Minneapolis/St. Paul

-- The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, in conjunction with the university's Masonic Cancer Center, has established a new Animal Cancer Care and Research (ACCR) program.

Within five years, Dr. Trevor Ames, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, says he expects the University of Minnesota to be recognized as the best institution in the country for conducting research in comparative oncology and providing care for companion animals with cancer.

This collaboration between the veterinary college and the Masonic Cancer Center is unique because it incorporates the ACCR program into the Masonic Cancer Center, one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States.

"We believe it will become the premier model for animal cancer care and research," says Ames, adding ACCR scientists already have made significant discoveries.

One such noteworthy finding is that many cancers in the dog are caused by the same genetic abnormalities found in humans, according to Ames.

The mission of the ACCR program is: To advance knowledge in cancer biology that can be translated and implemented into treatment that will reduce the incidence of cancer and improve the outcome for animal and human cancer patients.

The ACCR program draws its expertise primarily from scientists in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Masonic Cancer Center, but ACCR scientists also work closely with the Medical School, School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health.

"ACCR researchers are currently working to define breed- and disease-specific 'Achilles' heels' in dogs," says Dr. Jaime Modiano, director of the ACCR program. "These findings could then be translated into more effective and less toxic cancer treatments. The implications could reach far beyond dogs and veterinary medicine."

Modiano's laboratory is one of three research labs involved in the program. ACCR scientists work on research in genetics, cancer prevention, stem cells, metastasis, and cell signaling. Many of these basic research findings are readily translated into cancer care including diagnostics, treatments and quality of life.