PDCA RESEARCH 2

Mast Cell Tumor

Hydromorphone

This is an Ohio State University study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation
This is NOT A FINAL REPORT. Updated August 2013.

Grant D09CA-060: Studying How Mast Cell Tumors Spread, Cheryl A. London, DVM, PhD, The Ohio State University

UPDATE:Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most common skin tumors in dogs and despite advances in treatment, dogs with aggressive MCTs ultimately develop metastasis and die. As such, new therapies are needed to improve survival rates. In previous studies, researchers from the Ohio State University discovered that amounts of a small piece of genetic material, microRNA (miR-9), were significantly increased in aggressive MCTs in dogs. Interestingly, miR-9 has been linked to metastatic behavior of breast cancer in humans. It is possible that miR-9 also plays a significant role in canine malignant mast cell disease.

In this study, funded by Morris Animal Foundation, the research team is focusing on the overexpression of miR-9 in the development of aggressive MCTs. So far, they have generated mast cells that overexpress miR-9 in the laboratory. Using this molecular tool, they are conducting a thorough analysis of the biological role of miR-9 in aggressive tumors. Their goal is to identify molecular processes affected by miR-9 and to identify potential drug targets to inhibit these processes.

This research will provide a more detailed understanding of the process of metastasis of canine MCTs, thereby generating new otential targets for treatment. The results may also provide information that would help in the development of a diagnostic tool to identify tumors that are more likely to metastasize and need aggressive therapy. These studies will benefit all dogs with MCTs and would be particularly beneficial for breeds at higher risk of MCT, including Shar-peis, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, and Vizslas.

Website http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/mast-cell-tumors

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Dr. Cheryl A. London, DVM

Contact Dr. Cheryl A. London, DVM
Dr. Cheryl A. London, DVM, PhD
Department of Veterinary Biosciences
The Ohio State University
454 VMAB
1900 Coffey Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Ph: (614) 292-3551
Fx: (614) 292-1454
london.20@osu.edu

Mast Cell Tumors - BACK TO GUIDE