Gastric adenocarcinoma is a devastating disease that often goes undiagnosed until an advanced stage. This cancer is seen more often in certain dog breeds, notably the Belgian Tervuren and Sheepdog (Groenendael), which indicates a genetic predisposition.
Recently, we published our findings from a genetic study including DNA from 470 dogs. Over 15 genes were identified that are important for determining lifetime risk of developing gastric cancer. Link to the full research publication and a summary of the research.
Image credit: John Enright/Baker Institute
We are still collecting samples! Additional samples will allow us to develop a genetic test, or risk assessment, that can help reduce disease frequency over time through selective breeding and inform early clinical screening. We also hope to discover whether certain genes influence gastric tumor subtype, which has important implications for therapies. We are also expanding the study to include Bouviers des Flandres.
Blood samples and/or Embark raw data are currently needed from Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Sheepdogs, and Bouviers des Flandres diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma, as well as dogs of these breeds 10 years or older with no personal history of cancer and no immediate relatives with gastric cancer. We are also in need of tumor tissue; please contact us for additional details.
Email us at caninegenetics.evanslab@gmail.com if you are interested in participating!