OVC Clinical Trials
OVC Clinical Trials
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Monty

January 10, 2022 (Updated June 2, 2023) // Patient Stories

Image of Monty, a white fluffy dog with a person wearing black and red scrubs

Monty is involved in two OVC Clinical Trials!

Study Investigator: Dr. Michelle Oblak

Study Title: Evaluation of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Dogs with Lung Tumours Using CT Lymphography and Intraoperative Indocyanine Green

Generously Supported by: OVC Pet Trust and the AHP Research Chair

AND

Study Investigators: Dr. Brenda Coomber and Dr. Paul Woods

Study Title: Collection of Biological Specimens from Dogs Scheduled for Biopsy or Surgery for Suspected or Known Cancer

Generously Supported by: PetDx

Monty was diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma (a tumour in his left lung). He did not have any visible metastases!

A lung lobectomy (surgical removal of the tumour and part of the lung) followed by chemotherapy was recommended for Monty’s treatment.

He was able to participate in 2 clinical studies. By participating in the ICG lung trial, Monty is helping to develop protocols to better diagnose and treat future dogs with lung tumours!

Cartoon image of lungs.
A dog's (Monty's) thoracic radiograph. A tumour can be seen in the left lung.
An illustration of a tumour in relation to sentinel lymph nodes. In the image, it can be seen that tumours spread, or metastasize, to local lymph nodes. The first lymph node that a tumour drains into is known as the sentinel lymph node, shown in the centre of this image.

For many cancers, the first place of spread (metastasis) is to the local lymph nodes.

The first lymph node that the tumour drains is called the sentinel lymph node (SLN).

You might expect that the SLN would be the first lymph node downstream from the tumour, but this is not always true. By mapping the SLN, we identify and assess these draining lymph nodes. By removing the SLN, rather than the entire lymph node bed, we can decrease the complications after surgery and provide the most accurate information about the cancer’s metastasis.

During surgery, a special dye called indocyanine green (ICG) and a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) camera are used to make the tumour and lymph nodes ‘glow-in-the-dark‘. By comparing what we can see with visible light to what glows under NIRF, Dr. Oblak can make sure Monty has the best possible surgical outcome!

Monty’s lung tumour is indicated by the arrows.

The image on the left shows Monty's tumour and metastasized local lymph nodes. The image on the right shows Monty's tumour and metastasized local lymph nodes glowing in the dark by the use of a special dye called indocyanine green and a near-infrared fluorescence camera.

Monty is doing well and is continuing his treatment with chemotherapy from the OVC Oncology service.

THANK YOU MONTY!