Embolization or chemoembolization in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma and utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound versus CT angiogram in post-embolization assessment

Embolization is a minimally invasive cancer treatment in which particles are used to block the blood supply to a tumor. For liver tumors, the particles are delivered to the tumor using a catheter (long, thin tube) placed into an artery in the neck or thigh and threaded through the blood vessel until it reaches the specific blood vessel providing blood to the tumor. This is called Trans-Arterial Embolization (TAE). In some cases, chemotherapy is delivered directly to the tumor through this catheter immediately prior to delivering the particles that block the blood vessel. This is called Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE). Both TAE and TACE are used to treat liver tumors in dogs, but it is unknown if adding chemotherapy to embolization (TACE) has any benefit over embolization alone (TAE). The first purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of dogs receiving TAE to dogs receiving TACE. 

Both computed tomography (CT) angiograms and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are used to evaluate tumors in dogs. In people, CEUS has been shown to be more accurate than CT for assessing how effective the embolization procedure was in cutting off blood supply to the tumor. In dogs, a CT scan is the current standard for post-embolization evaluation. The second purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of CEUS and CT scan following embolization.  

Eligibility:

• Dogs with liver tumor for which surgical removal is either not possible or would  involve significant risk.
• Dog has completed a staging evaluation that determined TAE/TACE is a reasonable treatment option.
• Ability to attend visits at PennVet in Philadelphia

Benefits:

• Cost of bloodwork for three complete blood cell counts and three chemistry panels. cover the cost of the sedation as well.
• Cost of pre-embolization CT scan
• Cost of pre-embolization CEUS
• Cost of embolization procedure (TAE or TACE)
• Cost of 24-48 hours of hospitalization immediately post-embolization
• Cost of 30-day post-embolization CT
• Cost of 30-day post-embolization CEUS

Contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or email vcic@vet.upenn.edu for more information.