The Evan and Sue Ann Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center (WCORC) in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was formed to transform and grow research to improve the outlook for pet animals and humans facing cancer. The Center builds on a strong foundation in comparative oncology research that started with the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program in 1979.
Clinician scientists identify forms of naturally-occurring cancer in pet dogs that are similar to those same forms of cancer in humans. Subsequent studies are designed to be a "win-win-win" situation in that the individual dog with cancer benefits, the outlook for other dogs with that cancer may improve, and the successful results in dogs may lead to advances in humans with cancer.
The WCORC is also committed to providing compassionate care for pet animals with cancer, and for training the comparative oncology team of the future including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary oncology specialists, and other scientists.
The WCORC has specific emphasis areas in cancer research including one in urinary bladder cancer, especially a type of bladder cancer called transitional cell carcinoma, or “TCC”, which is also called urothelial carcinoma. The WCORC offers services for dogs such as cystoscopic biopsy for diagnosis, overall dog evaluation, and treatment for TCC, as well as clinical trials.
In addition to the work in the clinics diagnosing and treating cancer in pet dogs and cats, the Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center team diligently works in a laboratory setting to discover new ways to prevent and treat cancer.
