Veterinary cancer specialist dies suddenly

E. Gregory MacEwen, an internationally known veterinary oncologist, died of a heart attack May 12. He was 57.

MacEwen was professor and head of the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Oncology Section. He was internationally recognized as a leader in the development of anticancer therapies. He was a pioneering leader in the field of veterinary oncology and the discovery of novel and innovative cancer therapies for both companion animals and people.

“Dr. MacEwen was committed to the School of Veterinary Medicine, its students, and the program in comparative oncology, which he built into the best in the nation,” says Daryl Buss, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “Beyond his abilities as a veterinarian and as a scientist, Greg was a wonderful human being and a friend to all of those at the school. We’ll miss his leadership and inspiration greatly.”

“Those of us that were touched by him professionally also developed a deep and heart-felt personal relationship with this kind and gentle man,” says David Vail, a veterinary oncologist at the School of Veterinary Medicine who has worked closely with MacEwen for the last 10 years. “His untimely passing leaves a tremendous void, but he will continue to serve as an inspiration to those in the field and the work that he initiated will undoubtedly continue to advance the art and science of cancer treatment.”

“He was a real giant, who had so many things moving ahead,” adds Paul Sondel, professor of pediatrics and human oncology and leader of the Immunotherapy Program at the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Sondel collaborated with MacEwen on gene therapy and immunotherapy research that bridged from canine to human studies. “He was not only a glue, but an incendiary who built a fire and made things happen. He was able to tie many different disciplines together, including basic biologists, veterinarians, medical oncologists, and a variety of disciplines of veterinary and human clinicians. Several studies of treatment in children and adults with cancer have been built directly on Greg’s clinical research with cancer in companion animals.”

MacEwen, who joined the School of Veterinary Medicine faculty in 1983, served as associate dean for clinical affairs from 1987-1992, stepping down to allow for greater focus on his oncology research. He wrote more than 200 manuscripts dealing with cancer treatment and gave hundreds of invited lectures around the world. In addition to his research, he taught oncology coursework at the veterinary school and helped train oncology residents and post-doctorates. He was recently awarded the AVMA Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented posthumously at their national meeting in Boston, July 2001.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Troia-MacEwen, a financial specialist for the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, a daughter, Heather Trilling, and stepdaughter, Kersten Troia. A wake is scheduled Wednesday, May 16, 4-8 p.m. A funeral is planned Thursday, May 17, 11 am. Both will be at the Holy Mother of Consolation Church, 651 N. Main St., Oregon.

Memorials may also be sent to the Animal Cancer Treatment Program, UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706.