Stewart Ryan

Biography of Investigator:
Dr. Ryan is originally from Melbourne, Australia and gained his Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree (with honors) from the University of Melbourne in 1989.  He spent the first 2 years of my career working in mixed animal practice (mainly dairy cattle) before returning to Melbourne to work in small animal surgery. He was fortunate to do some world travelling with his wife, Faye, and that lead to them relocating to Hong Kong for 10 years. There he developed his skills in small animal surgery and worked with many specialists as mentors. He also volunteered for a bear rescue charity (Animal Asia Foundation) helping rehabilitate bears that had been caged for bile farming.

He moved to Colorado to pursue his residency training in small animal surgery in 2003 and completed his ACVS specialty board exams in 2007. After the residency Dr. Ryan did a research Fellowship in musculoskeletal oncology with the Animal Cancer Center and really enjoyed getting into the research side of surgical oncology. He was then offered and accepted a special appointment faculty position in musculoskeletal oncology research.

Classes Taught/Currently Teaching:
Dr. Ryan has presented lectures related to surgical and musculoskeletal oncology as part of undergraduate and graduate classes and continuing education to veterinarians.

Research Focus:
My research interests are in developing treatments for extremity osteosarcoma that can benefit both canine and human patients. One exciting area is using stereotactic radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy to develop the potential of this treatment modality as a non-surgical limb salvage procedure.

I am also involved with a GLP compliant study that is providing information on the biodistribution and safety of an alpha emitting radiopharmaceutical, 223 radium chloride, for treatment of metastatic bone disease and possibly primary bone cancer as well. This follows on from a project of Dr. Nicole Ehrhart’s using isolated limb perfusion to deliver 153 samarium to dogs with osteosarcoma.

I am collaborating on several projects with members of the School of Bioengineering. These include polymer biocompatibility experiments, development of a finite element model of the canine antebrachium and chemotherapeutic drug delivery from osseointegrated implants.

I work closely with Dr. Simon Turner in the small ruminant comparative orthopedic laboratory on several spine and orthopedic projects using sheep as a model.

I organize the Musculoskeletal Biology and Oncology group, which is a collaborative group of orthopedic and oncologic surgeons, biomedical engineers and other researchers. We meet monthly and explore how we can work together across Departments.

I spend 6-8 weeks on the clinical oncology service each year which keeps my research focused.

Future Direction:
Further exploration of the role of radiation therapy, bisphosphonates and alpha emitting radiopharmaceuticals in primary and metastatic bone cancer.

Laboratory Personnel:
Laura Chubb

List of Major Laboratory Equipment:

1. IVIS Xenogen imaging camera

Current Work/Projects:

1. Stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of extremity osteosarcoma
2. Palliative radiation therapy +/- bisphosphonates for palliative treatment of canine appendicular osteosarcoma
3. Biodistribution and acute toxicity of 223 radium chloride
4. Repeated dose long term toxicity of 223 radium chloride
5. Risk factors for bacterial contamination of cadaveric allografts for joint restoration
6. Development of a rodent model of post mortem bacterial translocation

Publications:
Ryan SD, Seim H, 3rd, Macphail C, et al. Comparison of biofragmentable anastomosis ring and sutured anastomoses for subtotal colectomy in cats with idiopathic megacolon. Vet Surg. 2006;35:740-748.

Ryan SD, Wagner AE. Cesarean section in dogs: Physiology and perioperative considerations. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 2006;28:34-42.

Ryan SD, Wagner AE. Cesarean section in dogs: Anesthetic management. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. 2006;28:44-54.

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