Saving Limbs, Changing Lives:
Synchrotron Radiation Clinical Trial for dogs with Soft Tissue Sarcoma
This groundbreaking trial is the first of its kind, offering an alternative treatment for dogs with distal limb soft tissue sarcomas that would otherwise require amputation. By utilising advanced Synchrotron radiation therapy, this study aims to provide a potentially curative, limb-sparing option, offering new hope for dogs facing this challenging diagnosis.
Advancing Cancer Treatment in Dogs: Synchrotron Radiation Therapy Pilot Study
Dr. Arthur House and Dr. Eleanor Woolley have been collaborating for the past four years with nuclear physicists and medical radiation therapists from Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at the Australian Synchrotron. Their work has led to the establishment of a pilot study assessing the efficacy of Synchrotron radiation therapy in managing canine soft tissue sarcoma.
Soft tissue sarcomas, particularly when large, can become unresectable, often requiring limb amputation to achieve oncologic control. This study aims to evaluate whether Synchrotron radiation can provide a curative alternative for these challenging cases.
Why Synchrotron Radiation?
Unlike conventional linear accelerator radiation, Synchrotron radiation offers several advantages:
✔ Single-visit treatment – Delivers a full course of radiation in just one session.
✔ Enhanced normal tissue tolerance – Potentially reducing side effects compared to standard radiotherapy.
Enrolment Opportunity for Canine Patients
We have the opportunity to enrol 12 dogs with distal limb soft tissue sarcomas in this pilot study. Eligible patients will receive Synchrotron radiation therapy with the goal of curative intent, providing a novel treatment pathway for cases where surgery may not be viable.
Clinical trial details
Prior to enrolment the dogs will have tumour staging performed, including serum biochemistry, haematology, histopathology and CT imaging for metastases check and treatment planning at Peninsula Vet Emergency & Referral Hospital.
Once enrolled, the patient will have a single radiation treatment at the Australian Synchrotron under the care of our vet, nurse and anaesthetist team. Follow-up checks will be performed weekly, monitoring the tumour shrinkage, until the time of tumour resection 4-6 weeks post treatment.
Eligibility
For dogs to be eligible for the trial they must be suitable for general anaesthesia, free of known systemic or metastatic disease, and have a distal limb (below the elbow or below the stifle) soft tissue sarcoma.
Contact
VETS
Vets, please contact Arthur or Eleanor directly if you have a patient that may be a good candidate.
Dr Arthur House | arthur@penvetreferral.com.au
Dr Eleanor Woolley | eleanor@penvetreferral.com.au
PUBLIC
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