The aim of this study is to improve detection of surgical margins at the time of surgery to remove soft tissue sarcomas (cancer). This is vital in both veterinary and human surgical oncology to ensure that the entire tumor is resected. In the study, dogs are injected with an FDA approved dye prior to surgery. During the surgery an imaging system is used to image normal tissue, the tumor, and the tumor’s margins. This imaging adds no more than 10 minutes to a surgical procedure and the study has been evaluated and approved by the University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Criteria for Admission
Dogs with suspected soft tissue sarcomas based on cytology from an aspirate or an incisional biopsy.
Exclusion Criteria
Tumors that are not soft tissue sarcomas.
Tumors without an aspirate or biopsy indicating soft tissue sarcoma.
Contact
Dr David Holt, BVSc, Diplomate ACVS, Professor of Surgery
Telephone: 215 898 3909
e-mail: dholt@vet.upenn.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there compensation for participating in the study?
Yes. The study will pay for $500 of the cost of your dog’s treatment.
Will my dog be treated differently because it is enrolled in the study?
No. Other than injection of the dye and imaging during surgery, your dog will be treated exactly the same as a dog not enrolled in the study.
Are there side effects from the dye?
The dye has been used in people and dogs since the 1960s. There are three case reports of allergic reaction to the dye in people. There are no reported instances of allergic reactions in dogs. To date we have 16 dogs in this and one other study using the dye and have not seen side effects.
Are follow-up necessary after successful surgery?
No. It is not necessary to bring your dog back to the University of Pennsylvania just for the purpose of the study.