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Amputation and Chemotherapy for Osteosarcoma

Principal Investigator

Contacts

Robyn Fox, LVT
Clinical Trials Coordinator

Purpose

We are seeking dogs whose owners have decided on the standard of care treatment option for canine osteosarcoma.  This includes amputation and chemotherapy.  This study aims to check for the spread (metastasis) of the cancer and will follow patients until the time which the dog develops metastasis.  We will use this information to compare against our other clinical trials.

Background

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in large dogs and commonly spreads to the lungs.   The standard treatment for dogs with osteosarcoma include limb amputation followed by chemotherapy.   Researchers are investigating ways to improve treatment and outcomes for osteosarcoma patients.  We are seeking dogs whose families have already chosen standard treatment to compare with patients undergoing clinical trials for new treatment options.

Eligibility

  • Diagnosis of osteosarcoma on a forelimb or hindlimb through x-ray
  • Owners have chosen the standard of care treatment of amputation followed by chemotherapy
  • Dogs that have recently had an amputation and owners are interested in chemotherapy

Exclusion 

  • Presence of other life-threatening diseases
  • Presence of lung metastasis confirmed on chest x-ray

Study Design

Prior to enrolling in this study, patients will undergo the standard workup for amputation which includes bloodwork and chest x-rays.  Once deemed eligible, they will undergo amputation at our facility in Blacksburg, VA.  Following amputation the patient will undergo chemotherapy over the course of several weeks.  Follow up visits with bloodwork and chest x-rays will determine when the cancer has spread.

If patients have recently received a limb amputation at another clinic they can still be considered for this study if the owners are electing to pursue chemotherapy.

 

Compensation

As an incentive for participating in the study there will be a $2,000 credit applied towards either the surgery or chemotherapy.  Follow up chest x-rays will be covered by the study.

There is a possibility for financial assistance beyond the $2,000 through a Compassionate Care Fund for cancer patients available at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center.  Care Credit is also accepted at both the Blacksburg and Roanoke facility.

Contact

  • If you'd like to proceed with a study screening appointment, please ask your veterinarian to initiate a referral. Please note that the cost of the screening visit is typically not covered by the study.
  • If you'd like to be contacted with more information about this study and/or would like to discuss a case prior to referral, please complete our phone consultation request form.
  • If your query is urgent, please call the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center at 540-526-2300.