Dogs Are Helping Doctors To Collaborate To Find Cures For Both Human And Pups

Over 1.66 million humans and over 4.2 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer annually in the USA. Comparative oncology studies naturally occurring cancer in animals and compares them to its human counterpart to better understand cancer and find cures that can benefit people and animals.  

The field of comparative oncology offers a unique opportunity to learn more about cancer. Taking advantage of this opportunity, The National Cancer Institute, also known as NCI (a federal U.S government agency), launched a project to integrate the scientific information about canine cancers. The NCI charged the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research to build an integrated database (or catalogue) called Integrated Canine Data Commons (ICDC).  

What exactly is the Integrated Canine Data Commons (ICDC)? 

The Integrated Canine Data Commons is a cloud-based collection of all the information (or most) on canine cancer. A group of researchers compiled results (data) obtained from different research studies looking at canine cancers and placed all of that information in one place.  

Why would they collect all of the information related to canine cancer in one place? 

It helps scientists find information on canine cancer somewhat easier. This resource was established to enable comparative studies with canine cancer and human cancers. It is a powerful tool because it allows scientists, doctors, and the research community to work together. This resource provides access to cancer research data from different organizations and multiple scientific studies.  

Why is this tool necessary? 

It allows comparing information obtained from different canine studies to human data.  Scientists and doctors from other locations now can have collaborations based on centrally shared information. Tools like this can enhance the chances of finding solutions faster, solutions like new cancer treatments.  

Having people with different backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives increase cognitive diversity. Tackling difficult challenges like cancer requires a high degree of intellectual diversity that could generate accelerated learning and fast-tracked solutions to complex cancer problems.  

I am excited about the opportunities this tool can facilitate to find a cure that can benefit both people and dogs.