CSU Animal Cancer Center

01/28/2026

The Future of Veterinary Oncology ⚛️ ⚕️

The Radiation Oncology department at the FACC is getting a new Varian Edge Radiation Therapy Machine.

This upgrade gives us:

⚛️ Expanded Capabilities: The Varian Edge utilizes the latest technology to provide cutting-edge radiation care.

💡 Precision Planning: This machine delivers precise doses directly to tumors while remaining minimally invasive.

❤️ Better Treatment: The Varian Edge allows for shorter treatment times and more accurate dosing, improving safety and care.

It will open in April 2026, and we can't wait! Learn more: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/radiation-oncology-upgrade-frequently-asked-questions/

01/27/2026

Happy Clinical Trials Tuesday! Our clinical trial using CAR T cells for treatment for bone cancer that has spread to the lungs is still recruiting patients. CAR T cells are a form of immunotherapy that is used in people for a variety of cancer types, and we are just starting to learn about their effects in pets with cancer. More information about this study is available here: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/clinical-trial/car-t-cell-immunotherapy-for-treatment-of-metastatic-osteosarcoma-in-dogs/

Patient Disease: Canine Osteosarcoma with Metastasis to the Lungs Study Name: CAR T cell Immunotherapy for Treatment of Metastatic Osteosarcoma in Dogs Purpose of the study: Primary Eligibility Criteria: Study Protocol: Owner Responsibilities: Financial Incentives: If you have further questions abou...

01/25/2026

Clinical Trials: Advancing Cancer Care 🐾 ⚕️

The Flint Animal Cancer Center’s clinical trials program is one of the largest and most advanced in veterinary oncology, offering around 30-35 studies each year that explore new cancer treatments and therapies for pets. Clinical trials not only provide hope and potential alternatives when standard treatments are limited but also play a key role in expanding knowledge to benefit both animal and human cancer research.

The benefits of clinical trials include:

🐾 They offer cutting-edge treatment options
🐾 Research studies help develop new cancer treatments
🐾 What we learn offers translational benefits for humans

Learn more: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/about-clinical-trials/

01/23/2026

Clinical Trials KUDOS! 🏆

Colorado State University's Office of Research Collaboration & Compliance supports researchers from idea to publication in the areas of research safety, security, and compliance.

The IACUC sends kudos to CSU Personnel for their outstanding work in animal research. Our very own, Dr. Kristen Weishaar, was nominated for recognition for her work in clinical trials from the IACUC office.

"For as long as I have been working with IACUC (several years now), Kristen has been very timely and thorough in her responses to comments and very responsible in submitting AE reports when needed, even though she is involved in a large number of protocols. Kristen is really a model for excellence in this area and very deserving of recognition."

Way to go, Dr. Weishaar! Well-deserved!

01/22/2026

Meet the Team Thursday: Shay ⚕️ 💚

Shay is an RVT on our radiation oncology team. She specializes in anesthesia for our patients undergoing treatment. She's dedicated, kind, and brings years of experience to our team.

We're so glad to have her!

01/20/2026

Happy Clinical Trials Tuesday! This sweet girl is Sandy. She was enrolled in our clinical trial for dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen in October and is doing great! She is already prepped for Valentine’s Day and is offering free snuggles to anyone who wants them. We love you, Sandy!

01/20/2026

We're proud to collaborate with the University of Colorado Cancer Center to conquer cancer in all species!

01/13/2026

Happy Clinical Trials Tuesday! We recently restarted enrollment for a study to test whether the immune responses generated through routine vaccination against common viruses can be re-directed toward cancer cells. This study is open to dogs with a variety of tumor types. You can read more about it here: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/cotc033-repurposing-vaccine-immunity-to-treat-cancers-validation-in-canine-patients/

This study is designed to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of repurposed vaccine-based immunity when given to tumor bearing dogs.

01/09/2026

Out with the old! 🚧 ⚒️

After nearly 20 years, our beloved radiation oncology machine is getting a much-needed upgrade. Last week, the team removed the old machine to prepare the space for our new Varian Edge radiosurgery system.

In the coming weeks, we'll be updating the infrastructure to house the new machine, expanding our holding kennels, and updating the control room that powers radiation treatments. Stay tuned for updates!

In the meantime, learn more about the project here: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/radiation-oncology-upgrade-frequently-asked-questions/

01/08/2026

Thanks to a lifesaving investment from national nonprofit Petco Love Milo gets to love his family for years to come! ❤️

Milo was rescued after living on the streets in Mexico by Big Bones Canine Rescue. He fell in love with his new family and settled right in. Not long after, Milo was unfortunately diagnosed with TVT – a transmissible type of cancer that is very rare in the United States but is commonly seen in less developed countries. Milo’s pet parent was given a Petco Love investment for treatment.

“This completely changed the way we were able to discuss and consider Milo’s treatment options – without financial barriers, considering only what was best for him and his well-being. Throughout our time in treatment, we have been able to focus exclusively on giving him love and support – treating each one of his symptoms without being weighed down by the cost. As a single mother of two children and two dogs, this makes all the difference in the world. We cannot thank you enough for your contribution and partnership, as it has allowed our family to focus on what is most important – giving Milo a long, happy, and healthy life with the love and consistency he deserves!” - Maura C., Milo’s pet parent.

Thanks to Petco Love for making stories like this one possible.

01/07/2026

Cancer in Cats 🐈

Unfortunately, 1 in 5 cats will be diagnosed with cancer this year.

Cancer in cats can be hard to catch early due to their aloof behavior and quirky personalities. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference in early detection. Here are some common signs of cat cancer:

🐾 Lumps or bumps that won't go away
🐾 Lack of energy or extra listlessness
🐾 Rapid weight gain or loss
🐾 Trouble breathing or bad breath
🐾 Loss of appetite, trouble eating or painful eating, or frequent vomiting
🐾 Persistent, unusual behavior for your cat

If you notice anything that is worrisome, please contact your veterinarian.

01/06/2026

Happy Clinical Trials Tuesday! While our radiation machine is being replaced, there is still an opportunity for dogs to participate in some of our studies that involve radiation treatment. We can work with local clinics to do the radiation treatment with study visits still happening at CSU. Update information for both these studies is on our website: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/clinical-trial/dual-energy-ct-to-assess-bone-mineral-density-in-dogs-with-osteosarcoma-undergoing-stereotacticbody-radiation-therapy/ https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/clinical-trial/palliative-radiation-therapy-with-or-without-bisphosphonates-or-carboplatin-for-dogs-with-osteosarcoma/

Patient Disease: Canine Osteosarcoma Study Name: Palliative Radiation Therapy With or Without Bisphosphonates or Carboplatin for Dogs with Osteosarcoma Purpose of the study: Primary Eligibility Criteria: Study Protocol: Owner Responsibilities: Financial Incentives: If you have further questions abou...