Osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive cancer that frequently arises in the long bones of large-breed dogs. Current treatment therapies involve amputation with or without chemotherapy, or radiation therapy (RT). However, in dogs receiving radiation therapy, survival time is typically only 2-4 months. Preliminary studies suggest that using a different kind of RT, “flash” proton radiation, may improve treatment by decreasing normal tissue damage while increasing toxicity to tumor cells and may also improve anti-tumor immune responses in the dog.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dogs with newly diagnosed OSA who have received no prior treatment for cancer
• Dogs with OSA of the leg which is amenable to limb amputation

• Dogs with no evidence of metastasis at the time of enrollment
• Owners are willing to pursue amputation at Penn Vet

Benefits: Dogs will have a single treatment of flash proton radiation, followed by amputation 5 days later. Biopsies will be taken under anesthesia to evaluate tumor and healthy tissue response to radiation treatment.

The cost of radiation treatment and subsequent amputation surgery will be covered by the study. Clients are responsible for all other costs including initial consultation, pre-surgical diagnostics, and chemotherapy if elected.

Contact:
The Veterinary Clinical Investigations Center at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu.