This is from another list, but relevant here (sorry if it's already been posted and I missed it):

The Van Andel Research Institute, a world class human cancer research
institute, recently received a Federally fund grant through the National
Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, to study five types of
cancer that occur in both dogs and humans. The ultimate goal is to develop
improved diagnostics and more individualized therapies for both canines and
people.

We are requesting the help of purebred dog owners, who may own a dog
affected with one of these cancers. The five initial cancers we are studying

are:

1) Hemangiosarcoma
2) Lymphoma
3) Osteosarcoma
4) Malignant histiocytosis
5) Melanoma of the mouth or toe

We are requesting fresh (NOT in formalin, NOT frozen) tissue samples from
tumors, when pets have biopsies, surgeries such as splenectomies, or are
euthanized. Samples may be collected post mortem, as the euthanasia
solution does not affect the DNA in either the dog's blood or in the tumor
cells.

Additionally, if you have a dog with one of these cancers who has already
been treated (splenectomy, chemo, etc), we would still appreciate a blood
sample along with a histopath report confirming the diagnosis. We need 3-5
mls of whole blood in an EDTA (purple top) tube. It can be sent priority
mail, and blood can be shipped at room temperature.

If the pet is scheduled for surgery or, sadly, euthanasia, if you or your
veterinarian contact us ahead of time, we can FedEx a collection kit which
includes an overnight FedEx return shipping form, along with collection
media and containers.

Owner consent forms and veterinary info pages can be found on our website,
at:

http://www.vai.org/helpingdogs

I will be happy to answer any questions I can, as well. Owners,
veterinarians and researchers working together will help us to unravel some
of the mysteries of these nasty diseases.

Roe Froman, DVM
Senior Veterinary Research Scientist
Van Andel Research Institute
333 Bostwick Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.234.5556
roe.froman@vai.org
http://www.vai.org

Thanks to Cemil and Boo for posting about this study. We mailed in Holly's blood sample today. We're hoping that it can somehow help someone else from having to go through what we're going through with this awful disease.

I exchanged emails with Roe, the vet listed in Cemil's post. There's no cost to participate, except the cost of the blood draw and mailing the blood sample. Holly has regular blood draws for her chemo, so Roe suggested we wait until Holly's next blood draw, which was yesterday. On the web site it says they are looking for purebred dogs. The owner consent form asks for the AKC registration number, which we don't have since we never registered Holly. When I asked Roe about it she said it wasn't needed since they also accept mixed breed dogs. So I wanted to pass this info along, in case there are any mixed breed dogs out there that are willing to participate – this study is not limited to purebred dogs.