The Atlanta Journal Constitution has an interesting article today about an experimental treatment for brain tumors in canines. The treatment may help in developing an effective therapy for humans.
On Aug. 5, Batman was the first patient to get an experimental therapy that researchers at the University of Minnesota hope will cure his brain cancer, which is the same kind that Sen. Ted Kennedy has. If it works for Batman and other dogs, they say, it holds enormous promise as an effective treatment for people, too.
Batman has joined a relatively new field of research called comparative oncology, where researchers leverage what they learn from pets for both animals and people. Advances in molecular and genetic testing show that many diseases in animals dont just look the same in humans, they are the same, said Dr. Jaime Modiano, professor of comparative oncology at the universitys veterinary school.
It seems we have more in common with our pals than was previously thought. The great thing about the therapy if it works?
That means the Bakers will know within three to seven months, rather than years, whether Tuesdays surgery and the experimental treatment will prevent Batmans cancer from returning
I urge you to read the entire article as it goes into further detail of Batman’s parents’ decision to enroll him in this program.
