CSU Animal Cancer Center Clinical Trial

Patient Disease:
Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors.

Study Name:
Sentinel lymph node mapping and cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs.

Purpose of the study:
The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node ("gland") to receive lymphatic drainage from a tumor. It stands "sentinel" over the tumor. The purpose of this study is to investigate a technique to identify the sentinel lymph node in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumors, using an intra-operative injection of either a special dye or a combination of a radioactive drug and a special dye.

Patient Entry Criteria:
There are certain criteria to determine if your pet will qualify for this study. Canine patients presumptively diagnosed with osteosarcoma in any leg whose owners elect palliative radiation treatment are eligible for this study. Presumptive diagnosis will be based on characteristic X-ray appearance of the lesion, signalment, history and clinical signs and possible fine needle aspiration cytology of the lesion. Diagnosis will be confirmed by histological examination of the leg after either amputation or death. Patients should be free of concurrent or metastatic disease, and should be in good health such that they can be anesthetized for the radiation treatment and receive anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as deracoxib).

Owner Responsibilities:
The owner is expected to make and keep all appointments according to the study protocol. The owner is financially responsible for all costs above the sponsor’s contributions of the radioactive scan and $300 stipend. Additionally a post-surgical visit is required 10-14 days following surgery at the CSU Animal Cancer Center.

Financial Incentives:
Clients participating in this study will receive special financial considerations. Specifically, a $300.00 stipend will be used towards the surgical and anesthetic costs. The study will also cover the expense of the radioactive tracer and scan, valued at over $265.

Please contact our Consultation Coordinator at (970) 297-4195 if you are interested in learning more about clinical trials.