Enhanced surgical margin imaging with polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography in canine soft tissue sarcoma and mammary tumors

Cancer is a common problem affecting an estimated 1 in 3 dogs in their lifetime and represents the leading cause of death in older dogs. The skin and subcutaneous tissues are common sites may represent 25.5-43% of all biopsy submissions,1-6 with 15% of these resulting from canine soft tissue sarcoma. Mammary tumors are the most common tumors overall in intact bitches. The long-term goal of our research is to optimize the accuracy and effectiveness of surgical treatment of canine and feline tumors. The purpose of this study is to determine if providing polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT)  images and metrics, with conventional OCT images, improves the diagnostic accuracy of surgical margin assessment of canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and mammary tumors compared to conventional OCT.

Participation Requirements

Before enrollment, dogs will need a cytologic or histopathologic diagnosis of confirmed or suspected soft tissue sarcoma or mammary tumor. The tumor must have arisen for the first time.

Dogs must be receiving surgery at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center

Owner's Responsibilities

We will collect information about the dog including age, breed, sex and neuter status and some information about the size and location of the tumor. We may also follow up on the dog after surgery to monitor for local recurrence or spread of cancer.

Learn more about CHF grant #02880.