Grant No. 2646: Characterization of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Dysfunction in
Malignant Histiocytosis 

Cheryl London, DVM, PhD; University of California, Davis 

Abstract: Malignant histiocytosis (MH), while rare in people, occurs frequently in
certain breeds of dogs including Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Flat-Coated
Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. There is no effective therapy for this
disease and nearly all patients die within 2-4 months of diagnosis. The purpose of
this proposal is to evaluate MH tumor specimens for mutations in genes that may
contribute to the development of this devastating cancer. The genes of interest are
those that code for proteins known as growth factor receptors. These proteins are
present on the surface of the cell and when stimulated by growth factors, signal into
the cell promoting cell survival and growth. Dysregulation of growth factor receptors
is a common mechanism through which normal cells undergo transformation into
cancer cells. Significant research has been directed towards the development of
inhibitors capable of blocking the function of dysregulated receptors. Recent
success of this approach has been realized with the inhibitor Gleevec in the
treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia in people. The purpose of this proposal
is to identify growth factor receptors that are dysregulated in MH to provide the
foundation for future clinical application of growth factor receptor inhibitors in the
treatment of MH. 

Golden Retriever Research:

A Legacy of Hope

With your generous financial support, the Golden Retriever Foundation funds a diverse range of health research studies investigating diseases such as several types of cancers, swallowing disorders, cataracts, SAS, and other issues of importance to the breed. In order to succeed, several of these studies require the cooperation of owners and participation of affected dogs.

For some studies, it is important that the dogs NOT be started on any medications prior to enrollment, or that biopsy or surgical samples be prepared in a specific manner, so please make contact as soon as possible when a diagnosis is suspected. Remember also that dogs owned by non-GRCA members are eligible for these studies, and please consider referring other Golden owners when possible.

We recognize that it takes great courage to look beyond one’s own sorrow when a special dog is diagnosed with a devastating disease, and we applaud the owners who participate in these research studies. Sometimes in the midst of sadness, helping to work toward a better future allows our beloved dogs to leave a legacy of hope to the next generation.

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For more information, questions, or assistance

Please contact the GRCA Research Facilitator:

Rhonda Hovan rhondahovan@aol.com 330-668-0044

 

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