TGen Research - Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium

Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium

To study canine cancer, scientists, clinicians, and veterinarians from TGen, the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) and the National Cancer Institute initiated the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium (CHCC), a program designed to study naturally occurring cancers in dogs to better understand why both pets and people get sick. The CHCC will take advantage of new genetic resources and technologies to develop genetic screens, diagnostic tests, and treatments for hereditary canine cancers as well as gain insight into the biology of human disease.

We will analyze collected DNA and RNA samples from dogs for genetic patterns that are associated with cancer. These patterns may form the basis of genetic tests that may lead to detecting a gene that contributes an increased risk for developing cancer over a dog's lifetime. Also, these studies may provide important clues about cancer in people.

How can you help?
The CHCC is soliciting the assistance of dog owners to help us collect blood and tumor samples for our research. We are currently focused on five target cancers (hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, malignant histiocytosis and melanoma), but we are banking DNA samples from dogs with all types of malignancy.

Any affected dog is eligible.

If your dog is afflicted with one of these cancers and you would like to donate samples, please complete the on-line form to learn if you qualify. Once we receive your information, a consortium member will determine if your pet meets the criteria for our study. If so, you will receive a follow-up e-mail with instructions for your veterinarian on how to collect and submit a sample.

NOTE ABOUT COST: While the CHCC covers the cost of shipping and processing samples, the cost for collection by a trained veterinarian is the responsibility of the pet owner.

Questions?
For questions, please call 616-234-5569 or email CHCC@vai.org.