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Evaluation of urine liquid biopsy for canine appendicular osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

Purpose

To evaluate the use of urine samples as a liquid biopsy tool to monitor disease progression in canine osteosarcoma

Background

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs, and it often spreads aggressively. In dogs, metastasis develops in more than 80% of cases. Even with treatment, more than 90% of affected dogs do not survive for more than two years following diagnosis.

Our team has developed a technique (Raman molecular analysis) that can detect changes in the urine that are associated with tumor growth. In this study, we are testing this tool to see how different types of treatment given to dogs with osteosarcoma affect what we’re able to detect in the urine. We’ll use these results to further refine the Raman molecular analysis technique so that it can be more useful in helping us understand and predict the behavior of osteosarcoma.

This study is funded by Virginia Tech’s Focused Ultrasound Innovation Fund.

Eligibility

For this stage of the study, we will recruit two groups of dogs. For both groups, dogs must have a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma. Presumptive diagnosis can be based on x-ray evidence and clinical signs. Cytology/histopathology diagnosis is not required for referral or for study participation.

  • Group 1. Amputation only patients - dogs with suspected appendicular osteosarcoma whose owners have elected standard of care limb amputation.
  • Group 2. Amputation + chemotherapy patients - dogs with suspected appendicular osteosarcoma whose owners have elected standard of care limb amputation and chemotherapy.

Exclusion

  • Presence of other life-threatening diseases
  • Previous local or systemic cancer treatments (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical tumor resection)

Study Design

The study will take place at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke, VA and/or the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Blacksburg, VA.

For the study, we will collect a small urine sample and take chest x-rays at the following 5 timepoints:

  • Timepoint 1: Before amputation
  • Timepoint 2: One day after amputation—this typically takes place while the patient is still in the hospital after amputation surgery
  • Timepoints 3-5: 2, 8 and 12 weeks after amputation—these are standard timepoints for incision recheck and subsequent standard restaging

Your dog’s treatment and the course of your dog’s care will not be affected by participating in this study. All procedures are standard-of-care for dogs with osteosarcoma, and all study data is acquired during routine visits.

Compensation

For participating dogs, the study covers the cost of urine sampling and chest x-rays related to the study. A $2,000 incentive payment will be applied toward the cost of limb amputation surgery. The owner’s remaining out-of-pocket costs for surgery will vary based on the size of their dog and other factors, but will typically be $2,000-3,000.

All other costs relating to the diagnosis and treatment of the dog’s condition will be the responsibility of the owner. Other out-of-pocket costs to the owner (i.e. not covered by the study) may include initial diagnostic x-rays, biopsy/FNA, chemotherapy (if elected), study screening evaluation, additional imaging, recheck appointments, and the cost of addressing any side effects of treatment. These costs will vary based on the course of treatment you elect.

Contact

  • If you'd like to proceed with a study screening appointment, please ask your veterinarian to initiate a referral using this link: https://cancercare.vetmed.vt.edu/appointments-and-referrals.html. 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: https://virginiatech.questionpro.com/t/AUEYyZu6hU.
  • If your query is urgent, please call the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center on 540-526-2300.

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