Name of Investigator: Susan M. LaRue
Title: Professor of Radiation Oncology
Contact Information:
Email Address: susan.larue@colostate.edu
Work Address (mailing): CSU Animal Cancer Center, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 300 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80523
Office Location (Building/Room #): ACC 248
Office Phone Number: (970) 297-0334
Laboratory Location (Building/Room #): ACC 245
Laboratory Phone Number: (970) 297-4084
Biography of Investigator:
Dr. Susan LaRue is originally from
Maryland and did her undergraduate education at the University of
Maryland. She received her DVM from the University of Georgia, where
she also did her internship. She came to Colorado State University in
1983 for a residency in small animal surgery, and subsequently became a
Diplomate in the College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). During her
surgery residency Dr. LaRue developed a strong interest in oncology.
She received her Ph.D. from the (then) Department of Radiological
Health Sciences working on tumor cell kinetics in canine osteosarcoma
and lymphoma. She also did training in Radiation Oncology under the
mentorship of Dr. Edward L. Gillette. Dr. LaRue was a charter
diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Radiology, specialty of
Radiation Oncology, and has served as president of that orgaization.
Classes Taught/Currently Teaching:
Dr.
LaRue’s teaching is unique in that her students include undergraduates
(Radiation Biology), graduate students (Radiation Biology, Advanced
Radiation Biology, Cancer Biology), Residents (Radiation Oncology, Post
Graduate Medicine) and Professional Veterinary Students (Toxicology,
Oncology).
Research Focus:
Dr. LaRue’s research focuses on experimental
therapeutics and tumor microenvironment, utilizing the canine
spontaneous tumor model. Current work includes evaluating the impact of
radiation on tumor oxygenation status, blood flow, tumor pressure and
on a number of molecular markers. Of particular interest is the
difference between traditional low doses/fraction compared to higher
radiosurgical doses. The ability to study this has recently been
enhanced by the purchase of a Varian Trilogy with radiosurgery
capabilities. Dr. LaRue is also collaborating on current projects
evaluating Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Osteosarcoma, and for the
treatment of acromegaly in cats. Additionally, Dr. LaRue is studying
erectile dysfunction following radiation therapy.
Future Direction:
New
radiation technologies such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery may provide
exciting new treatment options for both human and veterinary patients.
However, much work needs to be done to establish optimal treatment
regimens.
Name of Laboratory:
Tumor Physiology Laboratory
Associates:
Dr. Sharon M. Gillette
List of Major Laboratory Equipment:
Incubators equipped for hypoxic conditions. Oxford optronics system for measuring tumor perfusion and oxygen levels, PCR.
Current Work/Projects:
Impact of SRS on tumor physiological parameters.
Post Doctorates/Graduate Students:
Name: Hiroto Yoshikawa (A Morris Animal Foundation Scholar)
Email Address: hiroto.yoshikawa@colostate.edu
Area of Study: Tumor Physiology
Graduation Date: 2012