Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center
Advancing Cancer Research
 
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Susan LaRue

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Name of Investigator: Susan M. LaRue
Title: Professor of Radiation Oncology
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Contact Information:
Email Address: susan.larue@colostate.edu
Work Address (mailing): CSU Animal Cancer Center
Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Campus delivery 1678
300 West Drake Road, 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
   Susan LaRue
       

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

 

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