American College of Veterinary Surgeons Honors Colorado State University’s Stephen Withrow with Career Award
Note to Reporters: A photo of Dr. Stephen Withrow is available with the news release at http://www.news.colostate.edu.
Colorado State University’s Dr. Stephen J. Withrow, one of the world’s leading veterinary surgical oncologists, has been honored by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons with the Founders’ Award for Career Achievement.
The Founders’ Award for Career Achievement recognizes the service of ACVS Diplomates who have made “significant contributions to the development of surgical techniques and methodology, and dissemination of knowledge to colleagues, residents and students.”
As an internationally renowned expert in cancer research and treatment, Withrow, a University Distinguished Professor, is credited with changing the way veterinarians treat cancer.
“Dr. Withrow is one of the most renowned veterinary surgical oncologists in the world today,” according to a statement from the organization. “His commitment to ACVS and the training of young surgeons is evidenced by the clinical surgical oncology programs and procedures he has developed and the oncology research he has fostered.”
In May, he retired from 28 years as founder and director of CSU’s Animal Cancer Center, which is the largest companion animal cancer research center in the world. The center books about 6,000 appointments a year and provides an additional 3,000 consultations via the phone or email to veterinarians and pet animal owners.
Among many contributions to cancer research and treatment, Withrow developed a limb-sparing surgical technique to treat osteosarcoma, a malignant tumor of long bones in dogs. This technique revolutionized osteosarcoma treatment in dogs and has been widely adopted at human cancer centers, significantly increasing the likelihood that children diagnosed with osteosarcoma will be cured. This collaboration demonstrates how canine cancer research has had a far-reaching influence on human medicine and cancer research.
“Dr. Withrow’s accomplishments in the field have brought tremendous distinction and pride to Colorado State University and the field of veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Mark Stetter, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “We are delighted that Dr. Withrow is still part of CSU’s Animal Cancer Center and is working closely with Dr. Rod Page, our new director, and the team to continue the center’s impact around the globe.”
In addition to treating animals with cancer, the Animal Cancer Center has trained more veterinary oncologists than any other veterinary institution and is the only veterinary cancer group to have more than 28 consecutive years of funding from the National Cancer Institute. It has an international reputation for its collaboration with human cancer institutions such as the National Cancer Institute and the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
The Animal Cancer Center manages numerous clinical trials for cancer treatments, with pets participating with their owner’s approval in the quest to find new treatments and preventions for cancer. Many clinical trials are translational due to the center’s ability to develop animal cancer treatments, innovations and knowledge into beneficial human medicine.
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