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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th April 2015
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Explosives detection dogs trained to identify cancer
dog's nose
Over 40,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year, making it the most common cancer in UK men (file photo).
Dogs detect prostate cancer with over 90 per cent accuracy

A pair of German shepherd dogs have been trained to detect prostate cancer with well over 90 per cent accuracy, according to an Italian study.

The two explosion detection dogs were trained to recognise volatile organic compounds linked to prostate cancer in urine samples.

More than 900 patients' samples were involved in the study, of whom 362 had cancer (ranging from low risk to metastatic) and 540 were healthy controls.

Findings published in the Journal of Urology demonstrate remarkable accuracy in the dogs' ability to identify cancer.

Over 40,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year, making it the most common cancer in UK men.

Current tests used are most commonly blood tests, physical examination and biopsies.

Results from the blood test, which measures the level of prostate-specific antigens (PSA), can be unreliable as a raised PSA can also be due to non-cancerous prostate growth, urinary tract infections or prostate inflammation, as well as cancer. Raised PSA can therefore lead to unnecessary tests and treatment.

Claire Guest, co-founder of the UK charity Medical Detection Dogs, said the results of the Italian study were "spectacular". The charity's own research has found 93 per cent accuracy in dogs' ability to recognise prostate cancer.

Writing in the Journal of Urology, researchers say further work is needed to determine how valuable this ability will be in identifying prostate cancer in practice.

Read the full study: http://www.jurology.com/article/S0022-5347%2814%2904573-X/abstract

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.