July 2020
Sarcoma is a type of cancer that can appear in different areas of our dogs or cats. They typically appear as firm, subcutaneous (under the skin) masses, which may be located on the extremities, trunk, head or neck.
Sarcomas that begin in the bones are called osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma, and if they start in tissues they are part of a group called soft tissue sarcomas. The name of the soft tissue sarcoma changes based on the tissue of origin (Fat tissue – liposarcoma, fibrous tissue – fibrosarcoma, blood vessels – hemangiosarcoma, etc).
To recognize Sarcoma awareness month this July, we are highlighting the investigators at the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center who are advancing research in this field:
- Dr. Laura Selmic is evaluating a new imaging method to detect cancer cells left behind following removal of soft tissue or injection-site sarcomas in cats undergoing surgery.
- Dr. William Kisseberth is investigating a novel drug that has been shown to induce cell death in cancer cells in dogs with bone tumors and metastatic cancer (spread to other tissues).
- Dr. Rudinsky and Dr. Fenger are identifying non-invasive biomarkers that may help predict if patients are at increased risk for chemotherapy induced gastrointestinal side effects.
- Dr. Kisseberth is also evaluating if an investigational drug inhibits a very important pathway that has been shown to induce cell death in cancer cells and holds promise for treating cancer.
To learn about the Blue Buffalo Veterinary Clinical Trials Office ongoing clinical trials click here.
