CURRENT RESEARCH

Chordomas in Ferrets

Chordomas are a common musculoskeletal tumor of the ferret. Most appear at the distal end of the tail, and surgical excision is curative. A brief description is available at: http://www.afip.org/ferrets/chordoma.cfml

What many people may not know is that chordomas are seen in humans as well, but have a serious impact on human health. Tumors are slow growing, highly invasive and do not respond well to chemotherapy following surgery. Many appear in sites not surgically accessible, for example the base of the skull.

Physician Simone Summer, MD is currently investigating these tumors in humans and is studying genetic markers in ferrets and potential therpeutic strategies with possible benefit for both species. She is requesting practitioners send case material to her at:

Simone Sommer, MD, MPH
1-336-324-6167
allwayswel@aol.com