Research is a primary focus of the VSSO and their members. Apart from clinical research trials conducted by the VSSO, the VSSO and individual VSSO members also encourage collaboration with surgical oncologists in human medicine in an effort to increase our understanding of tumor biology and improve outcome for both animals and people with cancer. Naturally-occurring tumors in animals are a proven and excellent model for a number of human diseases, such as osteosarcoma and head and neck cancers. See the recently published article in Scientific American on animal models for cancer research (Waters DJ & Wildasin K: Cancer Clues from Pet Dogs. Scientific American, pp. 94-101, December 2006).

Furthermore, a number of VSSO members in academia have an in depth knowledge and experience in basic sciences, particularly musculoskeletal biology and adjunctive treatments, with many years of funding by agencies such as the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health.

Please contact the VSSO President for a list of full and honorary VSSO members available to participate in collaborative research projects.

Examples:

Dr. Duncan Lascelles: funded research in the neurobiology of oncologic pain and central sensitization in canine osteosarcoma.

Dr. Julius Liptak: funded research in limb-preservation and biomechanics, osteosarcoma, adjunctive chemotherapy, metronomic chemotherapy, splenic hemangiosarcoma, and cancer imaging techniques; and collaborative research with soft tissue sarcomas and breast cancer.

Dr. Rod Straw: funded research in limb-preservation, osteosarcoma, bone morphogenesis, cortical allografts, chemotherapy delivery systems, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, topical agents for solar-induced squamous cell carcinoma, and mast cell tumors.