A new cancer database could help connect pets diagnosed with cancer to clinical trials that may lead to cures for cancer in humans or animals. The National Veterinary Cancer Registry, launched last month, was founded by Dr. Theresa Fossum, the executive director of the Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies.
The registry is designed to help facilitate and promote therapies that can lead to advances in treatment and eventual cures for cancer in both pets and people. According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, one in every three people, one in every four dogs and one in every five cats will develop cancer. Because dogs age faster and contract the same kind of cancer that humans do, they can help inform doctors about clinical trials and responses to various therapies. Studying the disease in animals can help scientists determine how a disease or treatment could affect humans. It also can help reduce the cost of cancer research among humans by decreasing costs of development, safety, effectiveness and other trends.
Through the registry, owners of pets with cancer can connect with the National Veterinary Oncology Group, a team of veterinary cancer specialists working on groundbreaking treatments. The registry allows pet owners and veterinarians to anonymously share details about an animal’s condition and treatment. This information can help researchers to advance cancer care and treatment and eventually connect pets with relevant clinical trials. Registry administrators will review the database for potential candidates for clinical trials to treat certain diseases. The registry also will enable pet owners to connect with other owners whose pets have similar diagnoses and allow them to share treatment options and outcomes.
To enter your pet in the database, visit the registry here.
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