The current target for our fundraising is the research being done by Dr. Benoît Hédan at the University of Rennes in France. His work with Dr. Catherine André helped to create the histiocytic sarcoma risk test offered by Antagene, a tool to allow breeders to work toward reducing the incidence of histio. It is a step in the right direction, but more research is needed. At this time Dr. Hédan is working on a method to identify histiocytic sarcoma using a blood sample. Their research has identified a genetic mutation that is present in the blood that can be used to diagnose histio months before any clinical signs appear. It detects about half of the histiocytic sarcomas, and his new research is working to identify other mutations that can improve early diagnosis. While we don’t yet have a proven treatment for histio, that will come.

The Berner-Lovers fund has recently contributed funds for research being done at the University of Pennsylvania to use a CAR T therapy in the treatment of canine B Cell lymphoma. Clinical trials are eighteen months out, but using the body’s own immune system to combat cancer is already being used in human medicine.

While the generosity of the Berner community is well known, it is highly unlikely that enough will be raised to fully fund the research being conducted by Dr. Hédan. However, in the event that more money is raised than that research needs, any excess will be set aside to fund other health research. 

Donations to the BMDCF are tax deductible, something that can be used to help offset the tax liability from RMDs from IRAs, and for other tax planning purposes.