ADVANCING CANCER TREATMENT THROUGH COMPARATIVE ONCOLOGY RESEARCH FLINT ANIMAL CANCER CENTER NEWSLETTER | Fall 2019

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Extending FACC’s model of comprehensive and compassionate care around the world.

ince the early 1980s, the Robert H. and Mary G. Flint Animal in medical, radiation, and surgical oncology as they coordinate the Cancer Center has trained more surgical, medical, and best treatment plan for each patient. Sradiation oncologists than any other veterinary institution. “The multidisciplinary approach to cancer care distinguishes our Beyond the formal training program, each year, the FACC also program,” said FACC director, Dr. Rod Page. “I believe it’s important welcomes dozens of guest observers from around the world. to share our model and decades of experience with veterinarians Over the years, this expanding collegial network has led to FACC’s around the world, ultimately to benefit infinitely more pets with growing global impact on cancer care for companion animals. cancer.” While teaching is fundamental to academic institutions, four decades ago, the FACC set the standard in veterinary oncology CONQUERING CANCER TOGETHER training and made exceptional teaching and learning a foundational principle. Through clinical and classroom experiences, cancer According to Page, the FACC explicitly welcomes international center trainees have the opportunity to employ advanced trainees and visitors, a policy he plans to continue. diagnostic tools and treatment protocols. But technology isn’t “We say cancer doesn’t care if you have two legs or four,” said necessarily what makes the FACC’s program unique. What Page. “Cancer also doesn’t care if you’re a dog living in Arizona draws rising oncology specialists and other guests is the or Australia. We believe every pet should have access to specialty center’s willingness to share its model of comprehensive and care and that the more specialists we have treating and studying compassionate care and the opportunity to work alongside experts cancer, the more likely we will be to conquer cancer in all species.”

continued on Page 2 Global Connection | continued from Page 1 STAFF NEWS PAGE HONORED FOR CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN CANINE RESEARCH Following the workshop, Page spearheaded development of the Comparative Oncology Research Consortium, an academic/ r. Rodney Page, Stephen J. Withrow public/private partnership that includes support from the Jimmy Presidential Chair in Oncology and V Foundation. The consortium’s mission is to enable accelerated Ddirector of the Flint Animal Cancer and coordinated comparative oncology research. Current Center at Colorado State University, projects are focused on bladder cancer, leukemia, and cancer received the American Veterinary Medical genetics. Association Career Achievement in Page earned his D.V.M. from CSU in 1981. Before attending Canine Research Award at the National veterinary school, he received his master’s degree in medical Veterinary Scholars Symposium on physiology at Georgetown University School of Medicine. July 27 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Following veterinary school, he completed specialty training As a champion of comparative in medical oncology at the Animal Medical Center and The oncology, Page has worked throughout his career to achieve Donaldson-Atwood Cancer Clinic. He is board-certified in buy-in at the highest levels to improve treatment options for all medical oncology and internal medicine. His interest in both From left to right: Dr. Furuya Masaru presented FACC oncology service chief, Dr. Sue Lana, with the gift of 1,000 cranes at the conclusion of his nine-month training. Dr. Tristram Bennett plans to return to Australia following his one-year surgical oncology fellowship. Dr. Thomas Lee will be only the second specialty-trained veterinary radiation oncologist in Taiwan. cancer patients. animal and human medicine led him to the field of comparative With a long list of professional achievements, one of his most oncology research. ALUMNI INFLUENCE ON THREE CONTINENTS THREE SPECIALISTS, THREE COUNTRIES noteworthy endeavors is with the Morris Animal Foundation. In Page started his career at North Carolina State University’s 2010, Page was named the principal investigator of the Golden College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. In 1999, Cornell In 1984, the FACC’s first specialty trainee completed a medical In January 2019, Dr. Furuya Masaru, associate professor of Retriever Lifetime Study. This multimillion-dollar lifetime cohort University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recruited Page to its oncology residency. Four years later, the first of many international veterinary sciences at the University of Osaka in Japan, began study is one of the largest, most comprehensive prospective faculty. During his tenure, he founded the Sprecher Institute for trainees completed a surgical oncology fellowship. Since then, his nine-month visit working alongside FACC clinicians to learn canine health studies in the United States. Results will provide Comparative Cancer Research. 98 residents and fellows and more than a dozen specialty interns more about the center’s oncology service. By embedding with comprehensive data on diseases, including cancer, and serve as After a successful decade at Cornell, Page returned to CSU have trained at the FACC. In total, current and past specialty the team, his goal was to learn as much as possible about FACC’s a launching point for future health studies in dogs. in 2010 to lead the Flint Animal Cancer Center. Notably, he has trainees represent 11 countries. While some international alumni comprehensive care model. Now back in Japan, he is working In 2015, Page led an initiative to convene the first-of-its- grown the cancer center’s One Cure Clinical Trials program to join specialty clinics or academic institutions in the United States to establish a similar veterinary oncology program to expand kind translational cancer workshop hosted by the Institute of include seven staff who manage more than 30 canine and feline following their training, others work in clinical practices back home. treatment options for companion animals in his country. Medicine’s National Cancer Policy Forum. The event, held in studies each year. To date, FACC alumni have practiced in Australia, Canada, The Dr. Thomas Lee, a native of Taiwan, is a radiation oncology Washington, D.C., included medical, veterinary, scientific, and Throughout his career, Page has worked to advance Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, and England. resident at the FACC. Following vet school and a medical policy leaders and explored the benefits and challenges of oncology research as the primary, senior, or co-author on more oncology residency, Lee worked at a teaching hospital in Taiwan. coordinating studies that aid multiple species. Ultimately, the than 125 peer-reviewed papers and 25 book chapters. His VISITORS WELCOME During that time, he began consulting with human radiation meeting served as a springboard for collaborations and helped research is recognized internationally, with ongoing invitations oncologists to develop therapy plans for his pet patients. With release competitive funding from the National Cancer Institute. to present around the world. While formal training is resource-limited, each year the no formal training program available in Taiwan, Lee pursued a FACC welcomes visiting veterinarians and students from other radiation oncology residency at the FACC. institutions. These guests travel from across the United States and “I selected the FACC because of its multidisciplinary model,” CSU-CU DENVER COLLABORATORS PRESENT AT WORLD DR. KEARA BOSS NAMED TO RADIATION around the world. Over the last four years alone, the FACC has said Lee. “I think it’s important for our patients that we work with MOLECULAR IMAGING CONGRESS RESEARCH SOCIETY COUNCIL hosted more than 200 visitors. Nearly 70 of those traveled from medical and surgical oncologists.” outside the United States. Current FACC surgical oncology fellow, Dr. Tristram Bennett, Dr. Bernard Seguin, surgical oncologist Flint Animal Cancer Center clinician and joins a growing list of specialty trainees from Down Under. Bennett at the Flint Animal Cancer Center, along with assistant professor of radiation oncology, Dr. The Flint Animal Cancer Center has welcomed trainees and is originally from New Zealand, but following veterinary school, Dr. Lynn Griffin, radiologist at CSU’s James Keara Boss, was recently elected councilor- professional visitors from the following countries: he moved to Australia. There, he completed an internship and L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and at-large for the Radiation Research Society. Dr. Natalie Serkova, professor of radiology residency in surgery with FACC surgical oncology fellow alumnus The society works to advance radiation Australia Germany South Africa at University of Colorado Denver, presented South Korea Dr. Rod Straw. Belgium Italy an abstract at the 2019 World Molecular research, foster research collaborations, Brazil Japan Switzerland “In Australia, CSU is quite revered, likely because most of our Imaging Congress in Montreal, Canada. and share knowledge with the scientific Canada Mexico Taiwan big names trained there,” said Bennett. “There’s a catchphrase in community and the public. Costa Rica Thailand The presentation featured the team’s Netherlands our veterinary community that starts with ‘In Colorado, they ….’” Boss’s relationship with the organization El Salvador Uganda work on a new technique for imaging New Zealand Now that Bennett is here, he looks forward to learning how England Scotland Venezuela canine head and neck cancer that may advance detection began in 2013 when she attended her first meeting as a France things are done in Colorado and taking his training back to Sydney of metastasis. Typically, staging of malignant lymph nodes Scholar-In-Training. She recently chaired the Scholars-In- to benefit his patients. He also wants to share what he’s learned is a major predictor of tumor metastasis, survival rates, and Training committee. As a radiobiologist and veterinary radiation Professional visitors typically spend two to four weeks with colleagues and students. And, of course, have his chance to therapeutic options. Unfortunately, conventional MRI lacks oncologist, Boss looks forward to bringing a unique perspective observing patient cases, attending patient rounds, and shadowing start a few conversations with the phrase, “In Colorado, we ....” sensitivity to adequately diagnose lymph node metastasis and to the council that will allow her to promote efforts for more faculty. The FACC’s goal is to share knowledge and build as a result an invasive biopsy is required. The hope is that predictive, more translational preclinical radiation research. this work will have implications for detection of metastasis relationships with every visitor to provide them with tools and Private philanthropy supports several FACC trainee positions. Your Boss is a board-certified radiation oncologist and also holds in human head and neck cancer and offer a noninvasive experiences that they can bring back to the patients and clients gift to Elliott’s Long Paw Scholars helps to fund a three-year medical diagnostic alternative. a Ph.D. in radiation biology from North Carolina State University. they serve. oncology residency. She joined the Flint Animal Cancer Center in August 2016.

2 Flint Animal Cancer Center Newsletter | WinterFall 2019 2016 ONE CURE FRIENDS SHARE STORIES OF HOPE, PASSION, ACTION AT ANNUAL EVENT COMINGS & GOINGS Please join us in welcoming several new members to the FACC team!

Dr. Tiffany Martin joins our radiation Midwestern University. She joins us after human resources before deciding to return oncology faculty after completing her three- finishing a rotating internship at the VCA to school to train as a veterinary technician. year radiation oncology residency at the Flint Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Animal Cancer Center. Arizona. Rupta Pascal recently joined our radiation oncology technician team after moving to Dr. Giovani Tremolada returns to the Flint Dr. Elise Martens is our new medical Colorado earlier this year. Animal Cancer Center as a clinical instructor oncology intern. Dr. Martens received her after completing his surgical oncology D.V.M. from The Ohio State University and Torii Kapavik joined our administrative team fellowship with us in July. recently completed a small-animal rotating as director of development in September. internship at the University of Missouri. She has worked in development for the last Dr. Tristram Bennett is one of two surgical seven years. In her new role, she will support oncology fellows this year. Dr. Bennett Dr. Kirsha Fredrickson joins us as our FACC friendraising and stewardship. completed his surgical residency in 2017 clinical trials intern. She earned her D.V.M. at Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre in from Colorado State University and We wish the best of luck to the Australia. Most recently, he was on the staff recently completed a one-year internship in following team members who have left of the Small Animal Specialist Hospital in small-animal medicine and surgery at the us for new adventures and thank them Sydney, Australia. University of Georgia. for the many ways they have enriched our lives in their time with us! Dr. Chris Thomson joins us as a surgical Danielle Biggs brings more than 16 years of oncology fellow. Dr. Thomson completed veterinary technician training to our clinical Dr. Nicole Ehrhart accepted the position of veterinary school at the University of trials team. She specifically works with Dr. director of Columbine Health Systems Minnesota, followed by a small-animal Doug Thamm on the large-scale, multisite Center for Healthy Aging at Colorado internship at the University of Wisconsin. Vaccine Against Canine Cancer Study. State University. In her new role, she will He recently finished a small-animal surgery unite the expertise and research programs residency at the University of Minnesota. Michele Blackburn is one of our new across campus to support development veterinary technicians. She attended the of programs and policies that support Dr. Beck Ringdahl-Mayland joins our team Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology successful aging in both animals and people. as a medical oncology resident. Dr. Ringdahl- and has worked in private practice for 12 One Cure’s keynote storyteller, Dr. Karyn Goodman, shared the story of her dog Cashew’s experience as a patient at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. Mayland attended veterinary school at the years. She recently received dual bachelor’s Dr. Brittany Ciepluch finished her surgical University of Minnesota. He comes to us degrees in biology and chemistry from oncology fellowship with us and is looking riends of the two- and four-legged kind gathered on Aug. 17, Cashew was an FACC patient in November 2018. Goodman shared following a one-year rotating internship at Metropolitan State University. forward to a career in academia. 2019, for the Eighth Annual Evening for One Cure. More than Cashew’s patient journey, and then offered her professional North Carolina State University. 90 friends traveled from near and far to unite in their shared perspective on the importance of clinical trials. F Maria Lerma is a new member of the Dr. Jake Cawley finished his residency mission to find a cure for pets and people with cancer. The event In addition to Cashew, other four-legged guests included One Dr. Jake Siewert is a new medical oncology veterinary technician team. She attended and joined Ethos Veterinary Health as a returned to Fort Collins, Colorado. for the second year in a row, and Cure clinical trials patient, Leo, a mastiff mix with lymphoma; four- resident. Dr. Siewert completed his D.V.M. the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology postdoctoral fellow and medical oncologist. was hosted at the Diagnostic Medicine Center, adjacent to the Flint time cancer survivor and yellow Labrador, Frankie; and ambassador at the University of Wisconsin School of and also holds a bachelor’s degree in biology Animal Cancer Center. of hope, 4-month-old Labrador, Sadie, sister to former FACC Veterinary Medicine. He recently finished a from Metropolitan State University. Dr. Annie Galloway completed her residency The evening focused on the themes of hope, passion, and patient, Riley Anderson. one-year internship at Wheat Ridge Animal and accepted a position as a medical action with stories told by staff, FACC client families, human cancer The evening ended with a heartfelt message from One Cure Hospital in Denver, Colorado. is the newest veterinary oncologist at a private practice in Longmont, patients, and other friends of One Cure. founder Meg O’Neil. In 2011, O’Neil envisioned the One Cure Bailey Tumas technician at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. Colorado. Dr. Dan Regan provided an update on the Losartan clinical trial brand after her yellow Labrador, Elway, was treated at the FACC. for patients with metastatic bone cancer. His project started in the That experience, combined with the loss of both of her parents to Dr. Alicja Reczynska joins our team as a After completing her bachelor’s degree in lab with the help of samples from the FACC’s biorepository, piloted cancer, motivated her to take action on behalf of all cancer patients. radiation oncology resident. Dr. Reczynska biology at the University of Denver, Tumas Dr. Carolynne Kruckman completed her with our clinical trials team, and is now giving hope to pets and kids O’Neil, a cancer survivor and thriver, asked the audience to join her attended veterinary school at the went to work at a veterniary clinic. She radiation oncology residency this summer with metastatic bone cancer. in taking action to raise awareness and financial support for One Cure. Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine went back to school in 2017 at the Bel-Rea and joined a private practice in Illinois. Attendees also had the opportunity to share stories with one With lead gifts from the Graham and Courtney Rahal at Tufts University in Massachusetts. After Institute of Animal Technology to become a another, prompted by the question: Who are you One Curing for? Foundation and anonymous donors, One Cure friends teamed completing her D.V.M., Dr. Reczynska spent a veterinary technician and graduated in 2018. Dr. Chris Dolan completed his internship New friends and old exchanged stories of pets and people they up to gift $500,000 to modernize the FACC’s biorepository. year in a small-animal rotating internship at and has moved on to a medical oncology were honoring and the reasons for their One Cure passion. The biorepository is a key resource for research faculty such as Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. Lisa Group relocated from New York last fall residency program at Texas A&M. Keynote storyteller, Dr. Karyn Goodman, associate director Dr. Regan. Thanks to generous friends, the FACC can continue and joined our radiation oncology team as of clinical research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, to develop this critical asset to support new discoveries, and Dr. Erin Trageser is a new radiation oncology a technician. Veterinary medicine is Group’s Dr. Allison Gedney, our clinical trials intern, shared the stage with her friendly wheaten terrier, Cashew. hopefully, one day, a cure. resident. Dr. Trageser was admitted into the second career; she spent 13 years working in has moved on to a medical oncology inaugural class at the veterinary school of residency at the University of Pennsylvania. csuanimalcancercenter.org 5 4 Flint Animal Cancer Center Newsletter | Fall 2019 csuanimalcancercenter.org 5 The clinical trial, called the CHOP and that made me nervous, but now Small but mighty, Yogi kicks cancer to the curb with the help of a clinical trial Dose Escalation Study, uses the CHOP here we are; he’s been in remission for protocol but seeks to determine if 16 months.” patients can achieve longer remission Yogi returns to the FACC once per with increased dosing. The dosing is month for rechecks, and despite his personalized to the patient’s response. dislike of car rides, he is always excited After learning that Yogi qualified for when he realizes he’s at the hospital. the study, Sharon and Pat were quick He also returned to deliver Christmas ONE CURE CLINICAL to enroll him. He received his first dose presents to his friends at the FACC last of vincristine on April 5, 2018. That’s year and celebrated his birthday with TRIALS PROGRAM also the day he met his new best friend, them in February. UPDATE clinical trials technician, Kara Hall. “We are so happy that Yogi has “Yogi is a bundle of love and energy done this well for so long, and we are Our clinical trials program is all wrapped up in a 12-pound package, very grateful that Sharon allowed Yogi the largest in veterinary medicine bursting with excitement,” said Hall. to participate in our clinical trial. We and includes seven dedicated staff The family traveled to Fort Collins wouldn’t be able to do the work that we members. In 2018, the program from Boulder every week for several do without people like Sharon and dogs months so that Yogi could receive like Yogi,” said Weishaar. supervised 31 clinical trials to study treatment. When reflecting on the last 18 months, more effective therapies for a “From the first time I met Sharon and Sharon feels grateful. variety of cancer types, including Yogi, I could tell how special Yogi was “Anyone who has the chance to osteosarcoma, lymphoma, soft and how committed she was to doing bring their pet here is lucky. Despite tissue sarcoma, and brain tumors. everything she could to help him,” said the circumstances, this has been a As of Sept. 1, 2019, the clinical Weishaar. wonderful experience. The staff is kind trials team has managed a record Yogi achieved remission in late May and caring, and they take the time to 674 patient visits, a 16 percent 2018 but continued the weekly CHOP explain treatment plans clearly and increase over last year. They are on chemotherapy protocol through August provide detailed updates. They are track to see 1,000 appointments by of that year. never in a rush and take the time to the end of the year. March, April, “All in all, he handled chemotherapy answer all questions. People should and May were the busiest months like a champ,” said Sharon. “There were have the kind of care you get here. I a few weeks when his white blood cell couldn’t ask for more.” to date. The team also managed 32 count was too low for chemotherapy, trials in the first eight months of the year, with a handful of new studies Left to right: Kara Hall, clinical trials technician, clinical trials patient, Yogi, and Dr. Kristen Weishaar, clinical trials director. Yogi remains in complete remission as of his in the review process. September 2019 recheck appointment. We are grateful to friends of One Cure for providing gifts to support he runt of his litter, Yogi, has never let his size determine Willing to do whatever it would take to help Yogi, Sharon the growth of our clinical trials his destiny. called to schedule an appointment at Colorado State service. To join us, please donate at T “He doesn’t know he’s only 12 pounds,” said Yogi’s University’s Flint Animal Cancer Center. www.onecure.com. owner, Sharon. “There isn’t a dog or a person he won’t talk to; “Bringing Yogi to CSU was a no-brainer,” said Sharon. he’s just so friendly.” “I believe a university is the best place to go with health Yogi, the happiest Yorkshire terrier you’ll ever meet, joined concerns, person or pet.” CURRENT CLINICAL TRIALS his forever family, including mom, Sharon, and dad, Pat, 11 years Sharon admitted she was terrified of what they might find ago. Yogi and Sharon share a special bond; he’s the first to out at Yogi’s first appointment at the FACC but shared her relief • Lymphoma greet her when she walks through the door, and every evening, from the minute she walked in the door. • Brain Tumors he settles in with Sharon for cuddle time. “The volunteer who greeted us and the welcome we • Osteosarcoma “Yogi’s been with me through thick and thin,” said Sharon. received at the front desk made me feel better right away.” • Primary Lung Tumors “He gives me unconditional love whether I’ve had a good day During their first visit, Yogi, Sharon, and Pat met with Dr. • Hemangiosarcoma or a bad day; I couldn’t be without him.” Kristen Weishaar, director of clinical trials at the FACC, to talk In March 2018, the unthinkable happened when Sharon about treatment options. One possibility involved a clinical trial • Oral Tumors brought Yogi to his primary veterinarian concerned about an using the CHOP protocol. CHOP is one of the most effective • Soft Tissue Sarcomas unusual cough. At that visit, she learned Yogi had cancer. Yogi therapies for inducing remission in both pets and people • Multiple Tumor Types was diagnosed with multicentric B cell lymphoma. Lymphoma is with lymphoma. The treatment involves a combination of • Feline Tumors one of the most common cancers in dogs, accounting for up to the chemotherapy drugs cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and 24 percent of all new canine cancers. doxorubicin as well as the steroid prednisone and is delivered For details, visit www.csuanimalcancercenter. Yogi was diagnosed with lymphoma in March 2018 and has been in remission for 16 months. over 15 weeks. org/current-clinical-trials.

6 Flint Animal Cancer Center Newsletter | Fall 2019 csuanimalcancercenter.org 7 Wish List The following wish iist items support the SMALL DIAMETER VIDEO SCOPE ($22,500) DID YOU KNOW? work of our oncology team. If you would With this video scope, our surgeons like to donate funds toward the purchase can perform minimally invasive of one of these items, please contact thoracic surgery. They currently borrow In the 1990s, our faculty determined Torii Kapavik, (254) 424-2327. Every dollar a similar scope but have to schedule makes a difference to our program. procedures based on availability, that dogs undergoing surgery for bone which creates challenges for our busy cancer that develop an infection lived TWO RAPIDVAC™ SMOKE EVACUATORS surgical oncology service. longer than dogs without infection. ($3,125 EACH) BOX OF FILTERS ($500 EACH) Electrosurgery is a common technique THANK YOU ... This was later proven in children and is used by our surgeons. This Rapidvac™ Thanks to David and Maxine Pierce for an active area of research. system filters surgical smoke and their 2018 gift to support the purchase removes particulates and other potentially of the Brasseler Pneumo Micro Power hazardous byproducts of electrosurgery System, a tool that facilitates advanced to protect the lungs of our surgical team. surgical techniques in small animals.

FACC surgeons have pioneered several NEW ANESTHESIA EQUIPMENT ($7,000) Thank you to Ed and Marilyn Hansen for Our procedures caseload is growing, making a wish come true with their gift procedures, including limb-spare and we need to add new equipment. A to support the purchase of an ultra-low and oral/facial reconstruction. Today, new anesthesia machine will allow us to temperature freezer to help expand these techniques are common perform more procedures more efficiently storage capacity for our biorepository. and is the top request of our talented practice around the world. team of veterinary technicians. Remembering Jessy This November marks the ninth are $1,000 and help to reduce the Dr. Samantha Schlemmer is the first Seeker Oncology Research fellow and will spend the next two years in a specialized research training program. anniversary of Jessy Topham’s first financial burden of treatment and A National Cancer Institute visit to the Flint Animal Cancer Center. ensure all FACC patients receive the New fellowship trains future clinician-scientists Following a diagnosis of osteosarcoma best possible care. trial conducted at CSU with canine in Jessy’s right maxilla, Jessy’s mom, Allison also honored Jessy with the hen Dr. Samantha Schlemmer read the posting for “I admire all the work the FACC has done, and I am grateful patients confirmed that intra-arterial Allison, traveled with Jessy from their naming of the Jessy Angel Topham the Seeker Oncology Research Fellowship at the and excited for the opportunity to train with renowned home in Utah to seek treatment at the Quiet Intake Room. This room is WFlint Animal Cancer Center, it was as if the stars researchers in veterinary oncology and cancer biology. I look chemotherapy was more effective than FACC. designed for pets, like Jessy, that are had aligned. forward to being a part of moving the program forward.” I.V. drug delivery for patients with bone Over several months, Jessy more comfortable in a private space Schlemmer was nearing the end of her residency in clinical Schlemmer successfully achieved board certification in underwent surgery, radiation, and during visits to the cancer center. pathology at Texas A&M and considering her next steps when pathology in September. Her first few months will be spent cancer. As a result, this therapy is now chemotherapy treatments. During FACC staff are grateful to Allison she learned about the research fellowship. rotating through various labs, meeting people, and gathering widely used in children. that time, Allison spent many hours for her generosity and commitment to “I was a little unsure of my chances since I’d been away project ideas. She looks forward to diving into a meaningful at the FACC and met a variety of pet helping future patients. from research for a while,” said Schlemmer. study, likely focused on cancers that are difficult to treat or families, some of whom were anxious “But I applied because the position combined my interests diagnose, such as hemangiosarcoma or bladder cancer. not only about the health of their pets in pathology, oncology, patient care, and research. The job but also about the cost of treatment. was perfect. The timing was perfect. Best of all, I didn’t have to ABOUT THE SEEKER ONCOLOGY RESEARCH FUND Allison empathized with those families, choose between my passions.” grateful that she was able to afford According to FACC director of clinical research, Dr. Doug Longtime FACC friend Bets Keen established the oncology We were the first veterinary oncology Jessy’s care but heartbroken for those Thamm, the new two-year research-intensive has the potential research fund to honor her mother and the care their family service in the U.S. to employ a linear she met. to transform a well-trained clinician like Dr. Schlemmer into a companions have received at the cancer center for many Jessy fought a courageous clinician-scientist. decades. It is named in memory of Bets’ beloved golden accelerator for treatment of battle with cancer for two years and “We are deeply gratified for the funds provided for the retriever Seeker, her “once-in-a-lifetime dog,” and one of the companion animals, the same during that time enjoyed many of Seeker Oncology Fellowship,” said Thamm. “This gift offers American Kennel Club’s most titled goldens ever. Through this technology used to treat people, and her favorite things in life, including the opportunity to mentor specialists who not only can answer fellowship, she hopes that we can SEEK to find longevity for chasing squirrels in the park. In honor clinical questions but can also pursue a bench-to-bedside our dear canine friends. the first veterinary oncology service in of her best friend, Allison established approach to challenging problems in veterinary oncology.” the world to offer stereotactic Jessy’s Leash of Love. To date, nearly Schlemmer looks forward to capitalizing on this unique 250 families have received financial opportunity. radiation therapy. support from this fund. Typical grants

8 Flint Animal Cancer Center Newsletter | Fall 2019 csuanimalcancercenter.org 9 HONOR ROLL, FALL 2019 THANK YOU FOR Generous giving from the private sector has become increasingly important over the years. The following individuals (in alphabetical order) are especially noteworthy in that they have given once, or in a sustained way, MAKING OUR more than $25,000 to support our work. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to them. WORK POSSIBLE! Herbert A. Allen Dr. Norman and Ann Jorgensen James Rotherham Dawn and Brett Anderson Kate Koogler Canine William Rush III Barbara Anthony* Cancer Fund Inc. Albert and Nancy Sarnoff 2018 Impact Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Elizabeth Keen Charles R. Jr.* and Lucia H. Shipley* Research Inc. Sam* and Margaret* Kelly Kraig and Suzanna Smiegowski The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation Kneller Family Foundation Michael and Iris Smith Bruce Weber Nan Bush Foundation Kathy Kregel and James Smith David and Peggy Sokol Don* and Katy Callender Robert* and Eva Knight Frederick W. Stelle CanineKids Outfitters Susan LeFebvre Dr. Ralph and Peggy Starkey C.H. Robinson Worldwide Foundation Limb Preservation Foundation Jennie and Bob Strayer The Charles Engelhard Foundation William C. Lukes, AIA* Brett F. Stuart Charles Shipley, Jr. Foundation Inc. Maddie’s Fund E. Hadley Stuart Jr.* and Family Colorado State University ZaZa and Donald Manocherian Nan M. Stuart Research Foundation Mark and Bette Morris Family Stuart Foundation Community Foundation of Northern Foundation The Estate of Barbara Cox Anthony Colorado Steven J. McCarthy The Estate of Maria Bristol 6,139 Steve and Kitty Cooper Jay and Sandra Mesinger The Estate of Lionel Edmunds PATIENT VISITS Sophie and Derek Craighead Milheim Foundation Cancer Research The Estate of Jaynn Emery David Cummings and Shelley Kerr Kenneth and Myra Monfort The Estate of Patricia Hall David Merin Foundation Charitable Foundation The Estate of June Harper Dani’s Foundation Thelma C. Morici* The Estate of Fern A. Howard Dr. William and Sara DeHoff National Institutes of Health The Estate of Elisabeth Kellie Paul Dunbar and Mindy Jeffrey Neu The Estate of Laura Katherine Krebill Richards-Dunbar Robert Neu The Estate of Carolyn Larson Elbridge and Debra Stuart Family Gary and Alice* Nordloh The Estate of William C. Lukes Foundation Norman Hirschfield Foundation The Estate of Lois Maurer Walter* and Jaynn* Emery Meg and Andy O’Neil The Estate of Carol E. McCandless Gene* and Marylynn* Fischer Ann E. Osborn The Estate of Julia Holt Merkle 428 Robert H.* and Mary G. Flint* Terry and Linda Owen The Estate of Nancy A. Oyster Left to right: Danielle Biggs, veterinary technician at the Flint Animal Cancer Center, Fraser Foster, VACCS trial participant, and Stephanie Foster Matthew Frank Dr. Rodney L. Page The Estate of Constance C. Ricci SURGERIES The Hadley and Marion Stuart Susan C. Page The Estate of Patricia Shay Foundation Petco Foundation William V. Taylor* Update: Vaccine Against Canine Cancer Study Mari Hulman George Landon Phillips and Susan Maltby Allison Topham Graham and Courtney Rahal David and Maxine Pierce Trailsend Foundation he much-anticipated Vaccine Against studies. Additionally, if it is successful, we The vaccine was developed by Stephen Foundation Maj. Glen and Rose Porter Dr. Cleve Trimble Canine Cancer Study enrolled its will have a new tool for cancer prevention Johnston, a professor and director of the Golden Retriever Endowment Fund Joe and Kay Pyland Deborah Van Dyke first patients in May 2019. To date, in our pets, potentially decades before it is Center for Innovations in Medicine at Richard and Linda Habitzreiter Reiman Charitable Foundation Lori Venners 1,356 T Haddington Ventures LLC Roy and Roberta Reiman Theodore Venners 186 dogs have entered the study at the available for humans.” Arizona State University. Johnston and Ed and Marilyn Hansen Scott and Virginia Reiman Bruce Weber and Nan Bush three participating sites (Colorado State The protocol requires visits every other his team discovered a way to identify Jeffery Harbers* Erik and Terrin Riemer Melissa Westerman ONLINE University, the University of Wisconsin- week for the first four visits to receive a commonalities among cancerous tumors Renee Harbers-Liddell Dr. Ronald R. and Sara Ringen Rick Westerman Madison, and the University of California, series of vaccinations. After that, patients and used that information to develop what June Harper* River Terminal Development Richard and Nancy White CONSULTS Davis). VACCS investigators seek to recruit will visit every six months for the remainder they believe is a potential one-size-fits-all Kathleen Henry Company Dr. Stephen and Susan Withrow HIll’s Pet Nutrition Inc. Robert and Evelyn McKee Foundation Willard L. and Ruth P. Eccles 800 healthy, middle-aged pet dogs to of the study (five years) and receive a cancer prevention vaccine. The study is Alan* and Berte Hirschfield Robert and Susan Wilson Foundation Foundation evaluate the effectiveness of the cancer vaccine booster once per year. Nearly half of funded by the Open Philanthropy Project. Jewish Communal Fund Robert E. Knight Trust William Wrigley Jr. Trust prevention vaccine. the enrolled patients have completed the John H. Bell Charitable Remainder Richard and Nancy Rogers Rosamond R. Zetterholm* Trust Harold and Cathy Roozen The clinical trial is led by Colorado State initial six-week vaccine protocol. SEEKING PARTICIPANTS *Deceased University’s Dr. Douglas Thamm, director of Even if the vaccine doesn’t turn out to be Lawrence Jones III* Donita Rotherham clinical research at the Flint Animal Cancer the answer, Thamm believes the team will All three sites are continuing to recruit We are grateful to the following individuals for honoring the Flint Animal Cancer Center in their estate planning. Center at the James L. Voss Veterinary still learn valuable information related to early and enroll patients. Owners must live within 32 Teaching Hospital. detection and other relevant health data. Clinical Trials 150 miles of one of the participating trial Vikki and Arthur Anderson Michele Lier Nancy and Carl Schramm “This is a critical study in the evaluation “While we all want the vaccine to work, Dr. Allen D. and Kathy Brandon Gigi Meinhardt Joe and Nancy Sisinyak sites. Other qualifications include: dogs of this vaccine,” Thamm said. the fact that we can closely follow 800 Susan Butler Robert and Elizabeth Merrill Kraig and Suzanna Smiegowski must be between 6 and 10 years of age, Susan Coit Connie Miller Robyne Taylor “While effectiveness and safety have patients over five years will no doubt weigh at least 12 pounds, and have no Steve and Kitty Cooper Jerry and Karen Moore Clint Teegardin and Martha Baxter been shown in the lab, moving immediately provide a wealth of beneficial information,” history of cancer. Dogs must also be among Edward and Karen Franceschina Deanna and Daniel Mueller Patrick and Kim Thomsen to an expensive and time-consuming said Thamm. Virginia Garland Alan and Robyn Pauley Allison Topham one of 45 eligible breeds or mixed breeds. human study is a leap that is hard to Study leaders expect to have preliminary Angelica Harcharik Landon Phillips and Susan Maltby Julie Tyger Complete qualifying information as well as Elizabeth Keen David and Maxine Pierce Jacqui and Russell Widener 1,934 justify. Testing this approach in dogs will data in two to three years. an enrollment form is available online at Teresa and Robin Koogler Sharon Powers Radiation therapy serve as the perfect bridge to human www.vaccs.org. Adrian and Karen Lakin B. Gregory Russell treatments

10 Flint Animal Cancer Center Newsletter | Fall 2019 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 Permit Number 19 300 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523

ONE CANCER. ONE CURE.

Cancer is cancer. At the Flint Animal Cancer Center, we believe the answer to curing cancer lies in comparative oncology. Our One Cure initiative works to advance cancer research through comparative oncology clinical trials. Every day, our researchers look for new treatment options that benefit our pet patients – and people too. Your support is critical to our continued work. Please visit www.onecure.com to learn more.

300 W. Drake Road Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 (970) 297-5000 | (970) 297-4175 csuanimalcancercenter.org An equal-access and equal-opportunity University