Patient Disease:

Canine Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma

Study Name:

Minimally invasive sentinel lymph node mapping for canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA)

Purpose of the study:

  • To evaluate sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping techniques using a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach and compare this to a previously studied method (CT-lymphography) 

Primary Eligibility Criteria:

  • Confirmed diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma affecting one anal sac that is amenable to surgery 
  • No evidence of cancer spread to lymph nodes or other organs 
  • No prior treatment for anal sac tumor 
  • Pets must come to CSU for all visits related to the clinical trial 

Study Protocol:

  • Visit 1: Dogs will undergo general anesthesia for CT scan of the abdomen and intra-pelvic region. An injection of a contrast agent will be given locally near the tumor with subsequent CT imaging to identify the first lymph node(s) that drain the tumor (SLN). This is a routine pre-surgical imaging technique used to further characterize the regional lymph nodes prior to surgery and has previously been shown to be effective. 
  • Visit 2 (1-7 days after visit 1): Dogs will undergo general anesthesia for standard of care surgery with removal of the anal sac tumor and intraoperative lymph node mapping via a MIS approach and removal of regional lymph nodes within the abdomen or pelvic canal that are of concern/at risk for harboring cancer cells. The surgical lymph node mapping techniques will be performed by an injection of fluorescent dye (indocyanine green, ICG) locally near the tumor. All removed tissue samples will be submitted for biopsy to determine tumor type and evidence of cancer cells within the lymph nodes. 
  • Following surgery, study participation will be complete. 

Owner Responsibilities:

  • You are responsible for the initial exam fee and costs of diagnosing your pet’s tumor as well as costs of diagnostics to determine study eligibility 
  • You are responsible for the costs of the anal sac tumor removal and hospitalization beyond the credit provided by the study 
  • You are expected to make and keep all appointments associated with the study 

Financial Incentives:

  • The study will cover all the costs associated with Visit 1 
  • For Visit 2, the study will pay for the surgical SLN mapping costs (including the SLN mapping agent, MIS and anesthesia fees for the MIS component of surgery, and lymph node removal fees). 
  • A credit of $2,184.05 will be applied to your account at the VTH to be put towards the costs of the anal sac surgery. 

If you have further questions about any of our clinical trials, please submit an online consult form. Your consult will then be directed to our trials team. Requests are typically returned within 5 business days.