Heal
The Vital Role of Dogs in the Search for Cancer Cures
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
How man’s best friend could help cure man’s greatest scourge: “An Emperor of All Maladies for dog lovers” (Dr. Sarah Boston, author of Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life).
Drawn from extensive research, on-the-ground reporting, and personal experience, this book explores the fascinating role dogs (and cats) are playing in the search of cures for cancer. Learn how veterinarians and oncologists are working together to discover new treatments—cutting-edge therapies designed to help both animals and people suffering from cancer.
Heal introduces readers to the field of comparative oncology by describing several research projects aimed at finding new therapies for cancers that are similar in dogs and people, including lymphoma, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, melanoma, and gastric cancer. The author, who lost her sister to gastric cancer, also writes about the emerging science behind the remarkable ability of dogs to sniff out early stage cancer and the efforts underway to translate that talent into diagnostic devices for early detection of the disease.
In the course of bringing these dogs and their human companions to life, Arlene Weintraub takes her own personal journey from grief to healing, as she shows how man’s best friend might be the key to unlocking the mysteries of cancer.
“Readers will share Weintraub’s growing appreciation for the canine and feline subjects (and their owners) who are helping to advance cancer research.” —Publishers Weekly
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Science writer Weintraub (Selling the Fountain of Youth) introduces readers to the field of comparative oncology in this analysis of research into treatments for cancers that are similar in dogs and people. These ailments include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, melanoma, and gastric cancer. Driven by her professional curiosity, lifelong love of dogs, and grief after losing her sister to gastric cancer in 2010, Weintraub visits eight universities over two years. The book chronicles her interviews with researchers, whose fields include the quest for cancer-killing viruses (virotherapy), testing potential treatments on pet dogs with cancer; trials with metformin, a glucose-lowering pill that's used to treat diabetes; and the use of sniffing dogs for early detection of some kinds of cancer. Anyone interested in translational science, innovative developments in cancer research, or treating pets with cancer will find this book a valuable resource. It includes lists of institutions doing comparative oncology research, related books, clinical trials, and funding sources. Readers will share Weintraub's growing appreciation for the canine and feline subjects (and their owners) who are helping to advance cancer research.