The VCIC is now enrolling dogs with mammary tumors for a clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of a new topical near-infrared imaging agent applied directly to the tumor during surgery. This study could provide important information about detecting residual disease in dogs with mammary tumors and extend to similar procedures in women with breast cancer.

This study covers all costs associated with anesthesia, surgery and initial recovery.  After surgery you will receive the biopsy results from your dog’s tumor.  You may elect to pursue further treatment as recommended by a veterinary oncologist; this study does not cover the costs of postoperative treatment. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Dogs with mammary tumors more than 3 cm (1.5 inches) in size
• Dogs with suspected mammary carcinoma or adenocarcinoma
• Willing to have mastectomy at Penn Vet
• Willing to allow the imaging agent to be applied topically during surgery
• No evidence of metastases (spread of the tumor) or other concurrent diseases

Benefits:

• Financial coverage for consultation and surgical work-up (including x-rays, cytology, and bloodwork), surgery, histopathology, and recovery in the hospital immediately following surgery.

Contact:

If interested in enrolling your dog in this study, or would like to learn more contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or email vcic@vet.upenn.edu for more information about this or any of our other studies.