Use of new ultrasound technology to destroy tumor tissue in dogs with brain tumors

Purpose

To investigate the safety and antitumor activities of a new ultrasonic technology, called histotripsy, that can noninvasively destroy (ablate) tumor tissue using acoustic energy, in dogs with brain tumors.

Background

Primary brain tumors (PBT) are a significant cause of illness and death in dogs. Surgery remains a common treatment for canine PBT, with the goal of removing as much of the tumor as possible. However, significant numbers of canine PBT are considered inoperable due to their location in the brain, and conventional, invasive surgical techniques can cause serious side effects. Even when surgery goes well, the tumor may regrow after surgery. New treatments, particularly for PBT that can’t be removed by surgery or that have regrown after surgical removal, are needed to improve quality and quantity of life of affected dogs.

This study will provide data necessary to refine histotripsy technology and explore new, non-invasive techniques. Data from the initial dogs who were successfully treated in the first phase of the study can be found here. The techniques we are developing have the potential to allow precision image-guided, non-invasive treatment of PBT using ultrasonographic equipment and treatments that are currently in use in the majority of small animal veterinary practices, which may make treatment cheaper and more accessible. 

This study is funded by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and the American Kennel Club.

Eligibility

• Dogs of any age, weight, sex, or breed who have a measurable (>10 mm in diameter), treatment-naive primary forebrain tumor documented with MRI that is able to be removed with surgery
   

Exclusion Criteria

• Dogs with other serious illnesses or cancers
• Dogs with cystic tumors (cystic component > 30% of tumor volume)
• Dogs requiring transfrontal surgical approach to access tumor
• Dogs who are not expected to survive for the duration of the study period (approximately 42 days)
• Dogs that have received prior treatment for their tumor, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy
• Dogs who have excessive neurological dysfunction or poorly controlled seizures
   

Study Design

For this study, your dog will undergo an initial brain surgery (craniotomy), a tumor biopsy, and subsequent treatment with histotripsy. While your dog is still hospitalized (2-3 days after the histotripsy treatment), an MRI is performed. The total length of the hospitalization associated with tumor treatment is expected to be 4-5 days. 

Your dog will be evaluated at scheduled recheck visits with physical and neurologic examinations on day 42, 90, and 180 post-treatment. Recheck MRI scans will also be performed on day 42, 90, and 180.

Compensation

Once the dog is deemed eligible, the study will cover costs associated with tumor treatment and removal, as well as study-related imaging and clinical visits during the study period. The cost of the initial MRI to confirm diagnosis is not covered by the study.

Contact

Dr. John Rossmeisl, Neurology
Phone: 540-231-4621 | Email: jrossmei@vt.edu

Mindy Quigley, Clinical Trials Coordinator
Email: mindyq@vt.edu

If your query is urgent, please call the Small Animal Hospital on 540-231-4621