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Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis
Development of a Canine Model of Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis
If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer of the head (including neoplasias of the oral and nasal cavity and brain), he or she may be eligible to participate in our study. This study is looking at the development of sores in the mouth (oral mucositis) that result as a side effect of radiation treatment. The purpose of this clinical research project is gather data about the development and progression of oral mucositis and how it affects dogs’ behavior and quality of life. After the data is collected, the results will be analyzed in the hope to develop more treatment options and relief for this condition.
Oral Mucositis (OM) is redness, inflamation or open sores inside the mouth and/or throat, caused by radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer. Up to 90% of patients receiving radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer of the head or neck will develop OM. OM causes pain and discomfort, leading to difficulties eating and swallowing, and interferes with sleeping, which can decrease the patient's quality of life. It may also limit the amount of radiotherapy the patient can tolerate, which may decrease the ability to cure the cancer. Dogs develop OM in much the same way as people do who are being treated for head and neck cancer. The overwhelming similarities between OM in people and dogs suggests that studying OM in dogs may be useful in developing prevention and treatment models for humans.
Eligibility:
- Dogs who have been diagnosed with cancer located in any structure in the head (mouth, nose, brain) . Dogs with cancer of the neck (thyroid tumor, etc) are not eligible for the study at this time.
- You have elected to pursue radiation therapy to treat your dog’s cancer
You must be able to bring your dog to the hospital for his or her scheduled radiation treatments as determined by the veterinarian and for weekly visits for four weeks following his or her final treatment. You will also be asked to fill out questionnaires at each visit asking about your dog’s quality of life, general pain and mouth-related pain.
All radiation treatments and related anesthesia, bloodwork and x-rays will be paid for by the study. It is your responsibility to obtain and pay for the initial cancer diagnosis, usually achieved by CT scan.
If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu
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