Clinical Consultations for Cancer: How Accumulated Data of the Exotic Species Cancer Research Alliance Can Help You

Abstract

The Exotic Species Cancer Research Alliance (ESCRA) has been in existence for 5 y. It is an archive of data from zoological, aquarium and
academic institutions into one central location. Through partnerships with over 90 zoos and aquariums we have accumulated over 1,300 cases
of cancer across non-domestic species. Although the accumulation of data is important and aids in determining prevalence of cancer across a
variety of species, ESCRA is also consulting on active medical cases. ESCRA provides prevalence and prognosis (as available), as well as
suggestions for therapy and contacts with oncologists. Within the last 6 mo ESCRA was able to aid veterinarians in making clinical treatment
decisions on 22 non-domestic species cancer cases including six exotic small mammals, six carnivores, four reptiles, three primates, one fish,
one megavertebrate, and one marine mammal. ESCRA has also participated in five collaborative projects that are either in preparation for
publication or have been published. These consults and partnerships are key support for clinical veterinarians of non-domestic animals under
human care. By using archived data in every consult, ESCRA implements a model of real-time research and clinical medicine directly
impacting the health and welfare of our non-domestic patients.