Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New imaging helps vets spot cancer during dog tumor surgery
By Bartholf DeWitt, Suzanne et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2016·Duke University Medical Center·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A Novel Imaging System Distinguishes Neoplastic from Normal Tissue During Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with soft tissue sarcomas and mast cell tumors underwent surgery to remove their tumors, and researchers tested a new imaging system to help surgeons identify cancerous tissue during the procedure. The system used a special fluorescent agent that highlighted cancer cells, allowing the surgeons to distinguish between cancerous and normal tissue with 92% accuracy. While most dogs tolerated the imaging agent well, a few experienced temporary skin redness that responded to antihistamines. This innovative imaging technology could help ensure that all cancerous tissue is removed during surgery, potentially lowering the chances of the cancer returning.
People also search for: dog mast cell tumor treatment · soft tissue sarcoma surgery in dogs · imaging for dog cancer surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of a novel imaging system designed for intraoperative detection of residual cancer in tumor beds to distinguish neoplastic from normal tissue in dogs undergoing resection of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and mast cell tumor (MCT). STUDY DESIGN: Non-randomized prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 12 dogs with STS and 7 dogs with MCT. METHODS: A fluorescent imaging agent that is activated by proteases in vivo was administered to the dogs 4-6 or 24-26 hours before tumor resection. During surgery, a handheld imaging device was used to measure fluorescence intensity within the cancerous portion of the resected specimen and determine an intensity threshold for subsequent identification of cancer. Selected areas within the resected specimen and tumor bed were then imaged, and biopsies (n=101) were obtained from areas that did or did not have a fluorescence intensity exceeding the threshold. Results of intraoperative fluorescence and histology were compared. RESULTS: The imaging system correctly distinguished cancer from normal tissue in 93/101 biopsies (92%). Using histology as the reference, the sensitivity and specificity of the imaging system for identification of cancer in biopsies were 92% and 92%, respectively. There were 10/19 (53%) dogs which exhibited transient facial erythema soon after injection of the imaging agent which responded to but was not consistently prevented by intravenous diphenhydramine. CONCLUSION: A fluorescence-based imaging system designed for intraoperative use can distinguish canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and mast cell tumor (MCT) tissue from normal tissue with a high degree of accuracy. The system has potential to assist surgeons in assessing the adequacy of tumor resections during surgery, potentially reducing the risk of local tumor recurrence. Although responsive to antihistamines, the risk of hypersensitivity needs to be considered in light of the potential benefits of this imaging system in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27281113/