Canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) is a cancer that commonly metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body, especially the nearby lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping techniques – where the first lymph nodes that drain fluid from a tumor are identified and tested for cancer cells – have been well documented and safely used in dogs and people with multiple other tumors. However, these techniques have not yet been thoroughly evaluated in dogs with anal sac tumors.
The aims of this study are to develop SLN mapping techniques in dogs with anal sac tumors (to aid in early detection and removal of cancerous lymph nodes) and to evaluate their utility and agreement.
Inclusion criteria:
· Dogs with unilateral (one sided) apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma who have received no prior treatment for this tumor
· Anal sac tumor confirmed with cytology
· Good candidate for surgical tumor removal
Benefits:
· Financial coverage of $1000 towards the cost of surgery (anal sacculectomy)
· Cost of abdominal CT, lymph node mapping and lymph node removal is covered by study
Contact:
If you’re interested in enrolling your dog in this study or would like to learn more, contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu.