Michael Willmann, DVM

Michael Willmann, DVM

Clinic for Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Oncology Unit
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Telling a pet owner that his or her beloved companion has cancer and that we have no means to help is the saddest aspect of my - and any other veterinarians - work. Animals are our partners, our friends and an integral part of our society. Unfortunately, years of intensive research have left us with a vast amount of unanswered questions what concerns the etiology and growth of tumors as well as the therapy of tumor patients.

In the year 2005, the dog's genome was decoded and we are amazed at the high correspondence to its human counterpart. Likewise, malignancies in humans and animals bear strong resemblance to one another. These new perceptions about the similarities between humans and animals strongly suggest that researchers and clinicians in the human and veterinary medical field should opt to join forces for the benefit of animals and man. Cooperating rewards us with unthought-of possibilities in the fight against cancer. Let us turn against the mystery called cancer together! The comparison of naturally occuring malignancies in animals and humans and the knowledge pertaining to their course and therapy should benefit both sides. I can assure you, that in the course of this cooperation, animals are never used as "guinea pigs". On the contrary, they are treated like the valuable individuals they are: patients with cancer, patients we want to help. Because at the end of the day, I am veterinarian and devoted to helping my patients.