How the Registry Works

By working to improve cancer treatments for animals, the Texas Veterinary Cancer Registry will also advance the fight against the disease in humans.

Since many diseases that affect both animals and humans are nearly identical, studying the disease in animals helps scientists predict how the disease or its treatment will affect humans. Also, NOAM diseases typically progress faster in animals than humans because of their shorter life-spans. Studying drugs and devices in animal models may significantly decrease the cost of development by identifying relevant safety issues, effectiveness, biomarkers, and genetic markers prior to expensive human clinical trials. Additionally, development of databases of companion animal diseases will provide an important and unique source of information that can be utilized to determine disease trends.

Step 1: Create a Network of Veterinary Oncologists

The Texas Veterinary Oncology Group is a team of veterinarian oncologists statewide working to advance the study of drug therapies for dogs and humans. Through this statewide network of experts, the Texas Veterinary Cancer Registry connects animals that have developed naturally-occurring cancers with researchers and clinicians advancing breakthrough treatments.

Step 2: Collect Data for the Registry

The TVCR will collect, compile, and analyze crucial information from pet-owners and veterinarians about pets that have been diagnosed with various forms of naturally-occurring diseases (most often, cancer). This information will be used to advance the care and treatment of animals with cancers with the hope of eventually matching animals with relevant clinical studies. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the treatment of both human and veterinary cancers through the collection and dissemination of new information regarding cancer therapies.

The registry will allow owners and veterinarians to share detailed information about their pet’s disease in an anonymous and confidential fashion. It will also allow pet owners to connect with other people whose pets have similar diagnoses and discuss treatment options and outcomes. Through this connection, pets will benefit from leading edge treatments and a better quality of life.

Step 3: Applying the Database

The TVCR will review the database for potential candidates for clinical trials that aim to find treatments for specific NOAM diseases.

To enter your pet or patient into the database for consideration, please register your pet.