Projects

The Belgian Cancer Fund for Animals sponsors various projects with its resources. First and foremost, of course, cancer research in animals. In this, we support projects that are 'close to the animal', foremost research that is somewhat related to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. In this way, animals can hopefully sooner or later reap the benefits of the results of the research, i.e. faster and better diagnostics and treatments, with the ultimate goal: a better and longer life!

In addition to supporting research, we also facilitate various other projects such as:

financially supporting Oncowaf, the information website for dog owners with questions about cancer (see Medical Info)
sponsoring the participation of veterinary students in the annual oncology congress,
translating, converting and standardizing veterinary and pathological terminology (nomenclature) for the development of a veterinary cancer registry.

More information about the projects and initiatives (current and completed) can be found below.

Researchers with a research proposal can submit it to the BKFD via the contact form. We will then contact them regarding the next steps.

Ongoing projects 2024-2025

FNA cell-block project, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, prof. H. De Rooster,
EGFR expression project, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, prof. H. De Rooster,
Pericardial effusion cell-block project, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, prof. H. De Rooster,
Cytokine signatures in urothelial carcinoma in dogs, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, prof. A. Hamaide,
Marker expression on mammary gland tumor cells in dogs, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, dr. Jonas Steenbrugge,
Sponsoring of 6 students for participation in the international oncology conference Topics in Veterinary Oncology, 1 & 2 February 2025

Completed projects

Diagnosis of Lymphoma in Dogs Using Flow Cytometry

With the use of advanced flow cytometry, the diagnosis of lymphoma in dogs can be performed more quickly and in greater detail.

Students delegated to the “Topics in Veterinary Oncology” Congress

Veterinary medicine students are the future of our profession. By sponsoring their participation for the annual veterinary oncology congress, we hope to spark their interest in this important field within veterinary medicine.

Sponsorship of Dr. Eline Abma’s Doctoral Thesis

An innovative cancer treatment combining anti-angiogenic agents with targeted radiotherapy: preliminary results in dogs

Sponsorship of Dr. Laetitia Cicchelero’s Doctoral Research: Purchase of plasmids

As part of Dr. Laetitia Cicchelero’s doctoral research titled “Mono and Combination Immunotherapy in Dogs with Spontaneous Tumors”, the Belgian Cancer Fund for Animals supported the purchase of plasmids — small DNA molecules that exist independently from chromosomal DNA.

Sponsorship Doctoral Thesis Book of Dr. Michael Campos

Dr. Miguel Campos obtained his PhD at Ghent University with a dissertation on thyroid tumors in dogs — “Pathogenesis and Treatment of Canine Thyroid Tumors.” The printing of this thesis was sponsored by the BKFD.

Sponsorship – Guest Lectures by Prof. Dr. Nicole Ehrhart (Colorado State University)

Prof. Dr. Nicole Ehrhart from Colorado State University delivered three highly appreciated guest lectures at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Liège.

Sponsorship – Guest Lecture by Prof. Dr. Hans Kooistra (Utrecht University)

Prof. Dr. Hans Kooistra is a world-renowned authority in the field of veterinary endocrinology.

Evaluation of potential biomarker CCL2 in Canine Urinary Tract Tumors

In the search for cancer biomarkers, the University of Liège conducted a study on CCL2 in bladder tumors in dogs.

ONCOWAF – Informative website about Cancer in Animals

ONCOWAF is an independent informational website about cancer in animals.