AKCCHF grant #366

Molecular Control of COX-2 Expression and Regulation of Prostaglandin Transport in Canine Mammary Tumors

Mammary Cancer Research to benefit dogs and humans!  This is an extension of the previous study (AKCCHF#2222) on the connection between elevated levels of the COX-2 enzyme and the development of mammary tumors.  So far, Doré's research has shown "that COX-2 was not expressed in the normal (mammary) gland but was detected in 24% of adenomas and in 56% of adenocarcinomas (P < 0.001). " Read all about this exciting research HERE.

Sponsor: 

Samoyed Club of America Education & Research Foundation, Inc.

Researcher:

Dr. Monique Doré, DVM, MSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVP

To help this research, you can send a sample of the mammary tumor for Dr. Doré to analyze for the presence of COX-2. The tumor (or a portion of it) should be in a formalin solution (your veterinarian has the formalin solution at his/her clinic). Click here for tips on shipping the sample.

click here to print out a copy of a letter to take to your veterinarian explaining how to submit the sample.

Note: You will need Adobe Reader to view & print our .pdf files (FREE download).

Please send the sample to:
Dr. Monique Doré
Département de pathologie et microbiologie
Faculté de médecine vétérinaire
Université de Montréal
3200 Sicotte
St-Hyacinthe, Québec
Canada J2S 7C6
monique.dore@umontreal.ca

"I thank you very much for your precious help with this research."  from Monique Doré, DVM, MSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVP 

Abstract from the AKCCHF website:

"Tumors originating from the mammary gland represent one of the most frequent forms of cancer in female dogs. However, very little information is known about the mechanisms involved in the development of this cancer. In dogs, the growth of mammary tumors can recur following surgical excision or cancerous cells can appear in distant organs. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme that is essential in the production of prostaglandins, has been implicated in various forms of cancer in humans, including breast cancer. We have recently reported for the first time that COX-2 is induced in the majority of canine malignant mammary tumors. The objective of this proposal is to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of COX-2 gene expression in canine mammary tumors. We will also characterize the expression of a novel prostaglandin transporter in these tumors. It is expected that a better comprehension of the mechanisms involved in COX-2 expression and prostaglandin transport in canine mammary cancer will help design new strategies for cancer therapy and prevention in dogs."