Evaluation of Proton FLASH-RT in Naturally Occurring Canine Extremity Sarcoma
Proton FLASH radiation therapy (FLASH-RT) is an investigational approach using ultra-high dose “RATE” radiation therapy. This means that the dose(s) of radiation is delivered in a fraction of a second. It would take several minutes to deliver the same dose of radiation using conventional methods.
Early studies in laboratory rodent models showed that side effects to normal tissues were decreased while maintaining the same anti-cancer effects. In two small prior studies at Penn Vet evaluating dogs with bone cancer and head & neck cancers, dogs experienced side effects similar to what is seen with conventional radiation. These studies did not specifically evaluate the anti-cancer effects of FLASH-RT.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of FLASH-RT in dogs with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities (mid to lower limbs) for which surgical removal of the tumor is not feasible, or surgery has been declined. FLASH-RT will be administered via a protocol consisting of 3 treatments within 5-9 days for dogs with extremity soft tissue sarcomas (tumors on the leg).
Eligibility criteria
- Confirmed diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma of the leg (forelimb or hindlimb)
- Any histological subtype and grade accepted
- Tumor size must be < 10cm in any dimension
- Location of tumor on thoracic or pelvic limbs in a location amenable to salvage amputation (distal tumors preferred)
- Prior surgery acceptable
- Dog is free of pulmonary metastatic disease on chest x-rays and regional metastatic spread to local lymph nodes
- Dog is free of significant co-morbidities that would preclude general anesthesia and/or wound healing
Incentives
The screening visit (physical examination and diagnostic tests (blood work, urinalysis, and chest x-rays) to determine your dog’s eligibility is your financial responsibility. All study-related procedures, including the three FLASH-RT, physical examinations, chest x-rays, laboratory tests (CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis), sedation, anesthesia, and CT scans, will be covered by the study sponsor. Study enrollment requires follow-up visits up to 1.5 years. All visits conducted at Ryan Veterinary Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.
Contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or email vcic@vet.upenn.edu for more information.