fact of the month:
80% of dog cancers are biologically similar to the same cancers in humans.

AUTHORS' CORNER

"An Angel With Good Timing"

Sorry we're a little late this month. As you may know if you've read "Sparky Fights Back," Josée survived lung cancer back in the '80s, John survives prostate cancer, diagnosed about six years ago, and Sparky is now in his sixth year of remission from lymphoma. All these cases were diagnosed early--due to some unusually lucky circumstances--and all had good outcomes.

Three weeks ago, Josée was diagnosed with breast cancer--again, in the early stages. It takes some time to get an appointment for a mammogram here in New York City, in her case three months. Ironically, this may have been a good thing. Had  the test been done three months earlier, the tumor might have been too small (or non-existent) and might not have been detected! As it turned out, it was Stage I, the surgery was successful, and she won't need chemotherapy or radiation. "The patient is recovering nicely."

We're all three very much back in business, convinced that somebody up there is looking out for us. We suspect it's an angel. Our hope is that he (she? it?) is looking out for you, too--and all the doggies of the world as well.

Wishing you success in all your battles,

-- Josée and John

Got ideas? Please continue to e-mail news items to us at authors@sparkyfightsback.com .  

ANTI-ANGIOGENISIS 

Denying the Tumor Its Life's Blood 

All tumors need blood to feed them in order to survive and grow. Tumors actually stimulate the body to create a blood supply for themselves--so that our bodies can provide them with oxygen and nutrients. We remember reading about Judah Folkman's work several years ago. He tested drugs called angiostatin  and endostatin, which he demonstrated could eradicate cancers in mice. These agents prevented tumors from growing the necessary blood vessels ("angiogenisis inhibitors"), the result being that the tumors "starved to death," so to speak, from lack of life-support.

Tests on humans, however, turned out not to be so sensationalized in the media. In fact, while the original news of these anti-angiogenisis ("against creation of blood vessels")  drugs swept the country, the results of the human trials went by almost unnoticed.

That, we feel, is too bad, since important work on anti-angiogenisis continues to this day. The Angiogenisis Foundation seems to be the leading research organization in this field. Surprisingly, their Web site has a whole section devoted to canines!! 

Anti-angiogenic therapy, is now under development for the treatment of canine cancers. According to the A. F., "Unlike chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic treatments are well-tolerated, have few side-effects, and may control disease over the course of the dog's lifetime."

We are not sure how well-versed most veterinarians are in this important area in the fight against cancer. If you want to know more about this developing field, and cases where cancer-dogs were successfully treated using angiogenisis inhibitors, visit the Foundation's Web site, where you will find complete information on angiogenisis for canines.

CANCER IN THE MEDIA Roundup of the Latest News

Gene Drug Gives Man Second Chance at Survival

Philadelphia PA ...Sterman is one of a growing number of researchers pursuing an approach called "immunotherapy," which tries to activate a patient's immune system to fight disease...Penn is testing a gene drug...
full story...
(Our Note -- This is a "people" story, but we always remember that 65% of a dog's genes are exactly like ours!)

Pooches, Owners Walk For Cancer

Allentown PA ...Despite the cold temperatures and rain, canines and their owners came out in packs for the Second Annual Dogswalk Against Cancer, held Oct. 22 at the Lehigh Parkway ...
full story...

Dogswalk  Helps Children with Cancer 

Portland, OR ...The annual Portland 4 Paws for a Cure encourages people to bring their dogs for a two-mile walk
full story...

Ten Super-foods to Beat Cancer

From The Independent, UK ...evidence that changing your diet may be among the most effective ways of prolonging your life. Up to a third of cancers are thought to be associated with diet. Experts say eating more fruit and vegetables...
full story...
(Our Note -- careful with the garlic. Too much can be toxic in dogs. - J&J)

Broccoli, Cabbage and Sprouts Protect Against Lung Cancer!

From Cancer Consultants  ...cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and brussels sprouts may reduce the risk of lung cancer; the extent of protection appears to vary by genotype...
full story...

ROTTWEILER NEEDS YOUR HELP

Please Help Save a Beloved Friend!

We recently received an email from Lea, one of our readers, whose dog named Bare, a Rottweiler, contracted prostate cancer. It was a hopeless case. But Lea (who is also deeply involved in dog rescue) was determined. She contacted a veterinarian at Purdue who was willing to take on Bare's treatment, using an experimental drug.

Happily, the new drug, which Lea tells us is called ATN-161, is having good effect!!!

The problem is that the drug is very expensive. Lea says it will cost $10,000 for a year of treatment. She asked us if we could post a link to her Web site, which, while still unfinished, will fill you in the details. This is one of those heart-wrenching cases where it seems that only money stands in the way of preserving a good and beloved friend. 

Based on what we know from Lea, we are urging our readers to contribute to this cause. If every one of our subscribers gave only a few dollars, her financial need would be met!! Lea also sells Christmas items and cards on her site, to raise money for Bare's treatment. Here is the link:

www.freewebs.com/baregrady

WHAT A CHRISTMAS GIFT!

Give "Sparky Fights Back" to five friends
--all for just $39.97 (plus s/h)

Foley Square Books is now offering a huge discount on orders of five copies of "Sparky Fights Back: A Little Dog's Big Battle Against Cancer"  

This is a DEALER DISCOUNT price. At list price, five books would normally cost $84.75.  For a limited time, you can get this great price on our inspiring bestseller by purchasing online at our Web site's book page. We suggest you act quickly -- Foley Square may not prolong this offer.

Wondering what you can give those friends of yours this holiday season? If they like dogs and happy endings, they will love this book! It's definitely not just for owners of dogs with cancer--we get wonderful reactions even from people who don't have dogs! And you'll have the satisfaction that proceeds from your purchase (all royalties) will go to the Animal Cancer Foundation, a worthy group if there ever was one.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This newsletter is for informational purposes only, and the intent is to provide sources of possible veterinary assistance, treatments and other help for owners of animals with cancer. The authors do not in any way endorse or make claims for any of the medical personnel, medical facilities, treatments, therapies, medicines, or methods recommended, described or quoted herein. Nothing herein should be deemed to be medical or veterinary advice, since no doctors or veterinarians are employed by or connected with this publication. Visitors are directed to consult with licensed veterinarians for all medical advice. Although every effort is made to avoid factual errors, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any of the content of publication.

To order 

"Sparky Fights Back: A Little Dog's Big Battle Against Cancer,"  
go to our Book Page
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