Dogs detect prostate cancer at HIGH accuracy

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cp418
cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
edited June 2014 in Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results


http://www.practiceupdate.com/news/5205

With an accuracy rating of 98 percent, specially-trained dogs were able to smell volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into urine by prostate tumors, setting the stage for a potentially new means of early prostate cancer detection.

In recent years, new findings have emerged to indicate dogs are capable of detecting the onset of epileptic seizures as well as malignancies of the breast and lung. In 2010, research emerged demonstrating a dog’s ability to “sniff out” prostate cancer; however the study was relatively small with 33 patients. This study, however addresses the ability of canines to accurately detect the presence of prostate cancer in a much larger cohort. 

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited May 2014

    If anyone is interested there are two instances where dogs detected their owner's breast cancer in the Comfort Dogs thread. Amazing!

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited May 2014

    I saw a documentary on this subject some time ago. They had dogs who could detect Skin Cancer. The most amazing trial was when they took some Skin Cancer Cells put them on a bandaid and stuck it on a live model. The  dogs hit on it straight away. They also reported how one of the dogs kept returning to a person who had no evidence of a Skin Cancer, the Doctors actually checked the area and could find nothing, but some time later, that person had a Skin Cancer present, right where the dog had been sensing it.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited May 2014

    So I read about this and, with my twisted sense of humor, I thought, "Well, look where they usually sniff. Of course they detected prostate cancer".

    I am such a brat.

    Leah

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited May 2014

    Shortly before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, when my dog was in my lap he would get this odd fierce look on his face, put his nose right under mine & do this weird little puffing sniff, sniff, sniff under my nostrils. I know he knew there was something very wrong with me.

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  • Bren-2007
    Bren-2007 Member Posts: 6,241
    edited May 2014

    Leah .... bawahahahahaha!  Laughed out loud.

    Still, it's pretty cool that the dogs can do this.  I need to read the article.  Does it say if there is any one breed of dog that is better than another?

    Bren

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited May 2014

    If I recall the TV documentary with the skin cancer showed 2 different breed dogs - I think one was a large Schnauzer.  I've seen various breeds involved with the seizure and diabetic patients too.  It seems to be an individual gift to certain dogs but they all certainly have more scent senses than we do!  Years ago, I was caught by a Beagle carrying an apple on an international flight.

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited May 2014

    cp - That's hilarious! Busted you apple smuggler you! 

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  • GoldenGirls
    GoldenGirls Member Posts: 608
    edited May 2014

    There is an organization called In Situ Foundation dedicated to training dogs to detect cancer. It's incredible what they do! I have actually inquired recently about their test kits where you provide a sample for testing. The site and Facebook page both have links to the latest news and updates, as well as videos on the training. It's quite interesting.

    These are the links for anyone who's interested:

    http://www.dogsdetectcancer.org/

    https://www.facebook.com/dogsdetectcancer.savingli...

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited May 2014

    Actually it was bit scary as I had forgotten it was in my carryon.  The security guards made me drop it on the floor and then ordered me to open it.  Everyone standing near me jumped back as if I was carrying drugs or worse.  I was taken into the security room where I explained about carrying the apple and not eating it on the flight.  Otherwise, it was a super cute dog.   Happy  

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited May 2014

    cp418, I had to laugh at your story! I worked for an International Airline for many years and I would watch the Beagles come into the arrivals hall every day. The newly arrived passengers would all be smiling and commenting on how cute they were with their little jackets on, then a dog would go and sit by someone, they would still think it was cute, till the handler asked to see inside their bag for food. The dogs are very good at what they do and get rewarded with a treat, each time they find a bag with food in it. They get very smart and on a slow day they will actually keep going back to the same "find" to ensure another treat!

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