Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have treated cancer in dogs, and this may lead to a new strategy on how to fight cancer in people as well.

Joseph A. Bauer, PhD at the 237th national meeting of the American Chemical Society, presented research on just this topic. The research built on more than 60 years of effort toward developing a B12 based attack for cancer.

The story begins with a "miracle dog" by the name of Oscar, a ten year old Bichon Frise who had a very aggressive type of cancer known as anal sac adenocarcinoma.

After the standard chemotherapy and radiation, and with no improvement, poor Oscar was left unable to walk and with only three months to live.

As a last hope, Bauer and his colleagues gave the super sick pooch a cancer killing medicine known as nitrosylcobalamin (NO-Cbl for short).

Within 14 days Oscars cancer had improved significantly and he was back on his feet again.

This compound has now been given to other dogs with equally promising results and no negative side effects. This drug targets cancer cells like a "Trojan horse", delivered by being hidden inside something that looks harmless or beneficial.

The compound is made with nitric oxide that's attached to vitamin B12. Researchers know that receptors on the cancer cell surfaces will attract the vitamin and so help it getting into the cell.

The compound works because cancer cells have extra B12 receptors. Once inside, the nitric oxide is released and the cell dies. Genius, pure genius.

Bauer's team is using ultrasound and MRI imaging to keep an eye on tumor size in all three of the dogs currently under treatment.

After 9 months of NO-Cbl the spinal tumor of a 6 year old golden retriever, Buddy, has been reduced by 40%, and the inoperable thyroid cancer of a 13 year old female giant schnauzer by 77% in just ten weeks of treatment.

Also, Haley, a golden retriever, is being treated for a spinal tumor. Once the team treats ten dogs with the drug, they'll go for FDA approval to test the medication in people.

Mice aren't the only good subjects to use for such research.

He points out that people and dogs are genetically similar - enough to make a successful case for approval from the FDA.

Interesting to know that the National Cancer Institute has data on pets.

After all, they breathe the same air as we do; drink the same water as we do and eat processed foods just as we do.

"We are one of the few research groups that is offering to treat dogs with cancer that otherwise have no hope," Bauer makes clear. "With no other options available, most people in this situation opt to euthanize so that their pets don't go through the pain of disease and trauma of surgery."

The good news for dog owners is that this treatment also offers hope for a faithful friend who may be one of the estimated 6 million dogs in the U.S. alone diagnosed with cancer each year.

It's a rare thing for research to uncover a treatment that can be used for animals, and yet holds realistic promise for people as well.

Next - just head on over to the Daily Health Bulletin for more information on how to fight cancer, plus for a limited time get 5 free fantastic health reports. Click here for the automated video on this study on how to fight cancer.

• Best Tips For First Time Dog Owners by Audri Whites Dogs are one of the most loyal pets to have. Aside from the joy that they bring to your house, some of them are also very protective to their owners. There's definitely no doubt that they are the best bestfriends to have. While having a pet or......
• Pet Insurance Although the number of pet owners in the States is on the rise, most of those owners will not obtain pet insurance; strange when you consider how attached people become to their animals and treating them like family members. We all know just how important it is to have......
• Which Dog Is Perfect For You When given the proper care and affection, every dog is a good friend and the time and investment on them will be repaid several times over. In addition to that, a dog's life spans over fourteen years that they invariably become family. Outside of marriage, adopting a shelter dog is......
• Guide For Finding The Perfect Dog Did you grow up without ever owning a lovable pooch because your parents are very strict with regards to the cleanliness in your household? Did they make you feel that having dogs can lead to a messy living space? Well, if that's the case, you surely lost a lot......

• 500 More Useless Facts [/caption] Most American car horns honk in the key of F. The name Wendy was made up for the book "Peter Pan." Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Every time you lick a stamp, you consume 1/10 of a calorie. The average person falls asleep in seven minutes. Studies......
• First stem cell brain surgery As Aaditya watches a cartoon show on television, his right hand wavering to caress soft toys (SpongeBob SquarePants and Noddy) tucked next to him in bed, the boy has no clue that researchers and doctors across the world are watching his recovery with bated breath. That’s because this frail boy,......
• Is It A Good Or Bad Thing That So Many Companies Are Going Out Of Business? What exactly will 2009 bring us in terms of businesses closing down for good? Estimates are that hundreds of large, name brand businesses will go under in 2009 due to the economy - which while sad for the workers is not necessarily a bad thing. We have consumed ourselves right......
• The Weakonomist Reads a Book: Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes (and How to Correct Them) Can't help myself. Books are fun. I'm trying to keep the reviews short. Go to the library to get them, but if you are going to buy, feel free to go through my Amazon Affiliate in the sidebar. This book was absolutely the coming out party for behavioral economics.......

How to Fight Cancer & Win List Price: $16.95 Sale Price: $9.98 Used From: $0.28

Maximize your chance of recovery from cancer - and learn how to prevent it - with this down-to-earth, practical guide that has saved and improved lives since its first publishing in 1992. This accessible book presents scientific guidelines and documented facts for the successful treatment and prevention of cancer and other health problems, and is a must-read for everyone, from those looking for a cure for cancer to those looking for a roadmap to surefire prevention.

	Zymox Otic Pet Ear Treatment with Hydrocortisone, 4-Ounce List Price: $77.00 Sale Price: $27.19
ZYMOX Otic is used in dogs and cats for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation of the external ear caused by bacterial, viral and yeast infections. Treat once a day for 7 days for acute infection and once a day for 14 days for chronic infection...

Written by Kirsten Whittaker using tags: animal cancer, animals cancer, cancer, cancer in animals, Dogs, health, how to fight cancer, medication, Pets