New tool to help treat feline injection site sarcomas the topic of latest Morris Animal Foundation podcast
DENVER/June 9, 2021 – A new diagnostic tool for use in treating injection-site sarcomas is the topic of this month’s episode of Morris Animal Foundation’s “Fresh Scoop” podcast, available now for download and streaming.
Host Dr. Kelly Diehl, the Foundation’s Senior Director of Science and Communications, interviews Dr. Laura Selmic, Associate Professor in Surgical Oncology at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
In the episode, Dr. Selmic first covers the basics of this type of cancer before discussing her Foundation-funded work to evaluate the use of optical coherence tomography. The technology is used successfully in human breast cancer surgery, providing a real-time assessment of surgical margins to ensure complete tumor excision. Dr. Selmic’s team investigated its use in detecting cancer cells left behind following removal of injection-site sarcomas in client-owned cats undergoing surgery.
First observed in the 1980s, feline injection-site sarcomas are highly aggressive tumors that can arise following injections, including vaccinations. Surgical removal of tumors is the recommended treatment for this type of cancer and studies indicate that clean surgical margins are associated with decreased tumor recurrence rates and increased survival. Improving evaluation of the surgical site during a procedure can improve outcomes and decrease the need for additional surgery.
Dr. Selmic is a Diplomate of both the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal) and the European College of Veterinary Surgeons. She is also a Founding Fellow of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
“Fresh Scoop” is Morris Animal Foundation’s monthly veterinary science podcast designed to appeal to practicing veterinarians, veterinary technicians or students, as well as animal-loving science geeks. Episodes are available on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher, as well as the Foundation’s podcast page.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Headquartered in Denver, and founded in 1948, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $136 million in critical studies across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.