New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC), the leading advocate for canine health, is making available a groundbreaking new health test for canine bladder cancer detection, the CADETSM BRAF Mutation Detection Assay, in The AKC Shop.
Created by Sentinel Biomedical, the CADETSM BRAF Mutation Detection Assay is an early detection system for canine bladder cancer (also known as transitional cell carcinoma/urothelial carcinoma, or TCC/UC). This simple free-catch urine analysis system can detect canine bladder cancer (TCC/UC) months before symptoms present, allowing for the earliest therapeutic intervention.
“There are an estimated 80,000 canine TCC/UC cases diagnosed each year – most are diagnosed in later stages, when the cancer is more advanced and treatment options are limited,” said Matthew Breen, PhD CBiol FRSB, founder of Sentinel Biomedical and the Oscar J. Fletcher distinguished professor of comparative oncology genetics at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “We have created a reliable and proactive screening tool for dog owners and breeders that will allow more time to create an optimal treatment plan, thereby potentially extending the life of their dogs.”
The CADETSM BRAF Mutation Detection Assay gives responsible dog owners and breeders an opportunity to take an active role in canine health.
“Many breeders are all too familiar with the typical course of TCC/UC. While rounds of antibiotics are prescribed to treat non-specific and recurring symptoms, a tumor is potentially forming, growing and spreading,” said Dr. Marcia Dawson, DVM and an AKC Breeder of Merit. “The benefit of Sentinel Biomedical’s CADETSM BRAF test is that it can detect the cancer from remarkably few tumor cells that are shed into the urine, months before there are any symptoms, giving us additional time to act.”
As added value to the testing process, dog owners have the opportunity to join a nationwide study to help researchers better understand the environmental factors associated with cancer in dogs and in humans, making canines true watchdogs in the area of human health.
“The AKC is excited to work with Sentinel Biomedical to make this test available to our breeders and dog owners. We know it has tremendous implications for improving the health and welfare of our dogs, and also for furthering our understanding of cancer both in dogs and humans,” said Mark Dunn, Senior Vice President of AKC Registration & Development.
“Thanks to canine health research, we now have real-world solutions for our dogs,” said Susan LaCroix Hamil, Chair of the AKC Delegate Health Committee and an AKC Breeder of Merit. “Early detection is key to fighting canine cancer.”
The Sentinel Biomedical CADETSM BRAF Mutation Detection Assay can be purchased either as a screening test or as a diagnosis/monitoring test. The screening test for early detection of TCC/UC is available exclusively at The AKC Shop in two formats: 1) an Annual Subscription to screen one dog three times a year, and 2) as a Breeder Screening Pack to conduct an initial screening of multiple dogs at once. Both options provide all the supplies needed for collecting dog urine samples at home, and include free shipping to the testing laboratory, with results delivered within two weeks of sample receipt. The CADETSM BRAF Mutation Detection Assay for diagnosis/monitoring is available to veterinary professionals via the Sentinel Biomedical online store. This test can be used to aid diagnosis of TCC/UC in symptomatic dogs, and also to monitor the level of disease during treatment of cases that have the BRAF mutation. Results for the diagnosis/monitoring tests are available in two to three business days from sample receipt.
Additional information on Sentinel Biomedical’s unique perspective on cancer research can be found at www.SentinelBiomedical.com.
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org. AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc. Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers
About Sentinel Biomedical
Sentinel Biomedical is a pioneering comparative health company committed to research and scientific innovation. The company’s primary focus is investigating canine cancers and identifying biological changes and environmental influences that may be shared with human cancers, making canines true watchdogs in the area of human health. By taking a comparative approach to research, the company aspires to accelerate the pace of cancer-related discoveries leading to improved diagnosis, treatment and patient outcomes. Sentinel Biomedical created the world’s first and most rapid and reliable early detection system for canine bladder cancer/TCC/UC, allowing for more timely therapeutic intervention. The company continues to develop innovative cancer detection products with forensic level sensitivity, supported by robust research, proven science and leading genetics and oncology experts.
Headquartered at North Carolina State University’s Centennial Biomedical Campus in Raleigh, N.C., the company was formed in 2015 by Matthew Breen, PhD CBiol FRSB and a team of highly experienced researchers. Learn more at www.SentinelBiomedical.com.
