“The grant allows our team to investigate the effects of AF in tumor-bearing dogs to establish a biologically effective dose, which has near-term benefit in the treatment of dogs with lymphoma and is a translational model for human cancer.” – Dr. Kristen M. Weishaar

ACF board of directors presented a grant award for 2015 to Kristen M. Weishaar, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), Director of Clinical Trials, Flint Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, for a Phase I evaluation of Auranofin (AF), an orally available gold complex, in the treatment of canine lymphoma.  Weisshar, who is working with co-investigators Douglas H. Thamm, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology) and Luke A. Wittenburg, DVM, PhD, DACVCP, also of Flint Animal Cancer Center, explains, “This grant allows our team to investigate the effects of AF in tumor-bearing dogs, particularly dogs with lymphoma, to establish a biologically effective dose, which has near-term benefit in the treatment of dogs and is also a translational model for human cancers, including lymphoma.”

According to ACF this award for 2015 was made possible by a Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research grant to Animal Cancer Foundation for work funding comparative oncology.

ACF’s board president Matthew Vuolo welcomed the support of Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo in support of comparative oncology research, noting “When we come together to support pet wellness initiatives such as these important research studies, we offer hope to millions of pets and pet parents who want to see better treatment and cures for pets and people with cancer.”