Cancer study in pet dogs is helping the U. S. researchers find new treatments for patients as reported by the researchers.

The study said that many pet owners were keen on having their dogs also take part in clinical trials.

Study leader Dr. Chand Khanna and colleagues at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., found a pet owner’s decision to carry out an experimental therapy is influenced by a number of factors – including the risks involved and benefits of the experimental therapy and reduced costs for care that was given by the investigational trial.

The study authors informed that most of the pet owners are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment for future human and canine patients.

The authors also observed that the naturally occurring cancer biology and treatment in animals, called comparative oncology, is not a new concept. They say that during the last 30 years, they say that this approach has advanced treatment of several cancers including osteosarcoma – which is a bone cancer- and melanoma, which is a deadly skin disease.