Quantitative dual-energy CT material decomposition of holmium microspheres: local concentration determination evaluated in phantoms and a rabbit tumor model.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of dual-energy CT-based material decomposition using dual-X-ray spectra information to determine local concentrations of holmium microspheres in phantoms and in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A spectral calibration phantom with a solution containing 10 mg/mL holmium and various tube settings was scanned using a third-generation dual-energy CT scanner to depict an energy-dependent and material-dependent enhancement vectors. A serial dilution of holmium (microspheres) was quantified by spectral material decomposition and compared with known holmium concentrations. Subsequently, the feasibility of the spectral material decomposition was demonstrated in situ in three euthanized rabbits with injected (radioactive) holmium microspheres. RESULTS: The measured CT values of the holmium solutions scale linearly to all measured concentrations and tube settings (R2 = 1.00). Material decomposition based on CT acquisitions using the tube voltage combinations of 80/150 Sn kV or 100/150 Sn kV allow the most accurate quantifications for concentrations down to 0.125 mg/mL holmium. CONCLUSION: Dual-energy CT facilitates image-based material decomposition to detect and quantify holmium microspheres in phantoms and rabbits. KEY POINTS: • Quantification of holmium concentrations based on dual-energy CT is obtained with good accuracy. • The optimal tube-voltage pairs for quantifying holmium were 80/150 Sn kV and 100/150 Sn kV using a third-generation dual-source CT system. • Quantification of accumulated holmium facilitates the assessment of local dosimetry for radiation therapies.

A laparoscopic approach for removal of ovarian remnant tissue in 32 dogs.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) in dogs usually necessitates large celiotomies and considerable manipulation of organs because of the relatively deep position of ovarian remnant tissue, large patient size, and often encountered adhesions. In women, laparoscopic treatment of ORS is successful and has significant advantages over laparotomy. Since laparoscopic ovariectomy has significant advantages over open ovariectomy in dogs, including reduced surgical stress and postoperative pain and shorter convalescence period, the rationale for a laparoscopic approach of canine ORS is evident. Feasibility and efficacy of a laparoscopic approach for treatment of ORS in dogs was prospectively evaluated using a standardized protocol for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Treatment success was evaluated by histology of removed tissues, postoperative hormone testing, and long-term clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-two client-owned predominantly medium and large breed dogs diagnosed with ORS underwent abdominal ultrasound for ovarian remnant localization prior to laparoscopic surgery for removal of ovarian remnants. Tissue dissection and excision was performed using a vessel sealing forceps. Laparoscopy subjectively enabled detailed visibility and facilitated detection and removal of suspected ovarian tissue in all cases. Histology confirmed ovarian origin of removed tissue in all dogs. Additionally, a GnRH stimulation test was performed in fourteen dogs after a median follow-up of 10.5 months, which verified absence of residual functional ovarian remnant tissue in all dogs. Median surgery duration was 97.5 min and mean total convalescence duration, subjectively scored by owners, was 1.5 ± 0.7 days. No major complications occurred. Adhesions were observed in 79% of the dogs, complicated the surgical approach, and significantly affected surgery duration (85 versus 109 min; p = 0.03). Minor hemorrhage occurred in 12% and significantly increased surgery duration (95.5 versus 128 min; p = 0.02). Trendelenburg position and lateral tilting of the patient were essential for proper access to ovarian remnants. GnRH stimulation test results and/or absence of clinical signs indicative of ORS after a median follow-up period of 22.5 months confirmed treatment efficacy in all dogs. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for ORS in dogs is effective with minimal complications and short convalescence and can successfully replace the conventional, more invasive open surgical procedure.

Negative pressure therapy versus passive open abdominal drainage for the treatment of septic peritonitis in dogs: A randomized, prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare passive open abdominal drainage (POAD) and negative-pressure abdominal drainage (NPAD) using the ABThera™ system in the treatment of septic peritonitis. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 16) with septic peritonitis. METHODS: Dogs with septic peritonitis were randomly assigned to one of two treatment protocols: NPAD versus POAD. Anesthesia time, operating time, duration of drainage, costs, survival, and complications were compared between techniques. Hematological and biochemical parameters in blood and abdominal fluid, and histopathological findings of omentum and abdominal wall tissue samples were compared between NPAD and POAD at time of initial surgery and at time of closure. RESULTS: Overall survival was 81%. Treatment costs, anesthesia and operating time, drainage time, survival, and postoperative complications were similar between techniques. Loss of total plasma protein and decreased inflammation-related factors in abdominal fluid at time of closure were noted in all patients. Neutrophilic inflammation was greater in abdominal wall samples after NPAD. POAD patients showed discomfort during bandage changes and had frequent leakage of abdominal fluid outside of the bandage. CONCLUSION: NPAD is an effective alternative to POAD for treatment of septic peritonitis, based on costs and survival. NPAD resulted in less abdominal fluid leakage, and evidence of superior healing on histological evaluation of abdominal tissues.

Cordless ultrasonic dissector versus advanced bipolar vessel sealing device for laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Sonicision cordless ultrasonic dissector (SCUD) to LigaSure vessel sealing device (LVSD) for laparoscopic ovariectomy (Lap OVE) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, paired prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 22) presented for elective Lap OVE. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two protocols: protocol 1 required the left ovary resected using SCUD and the right ovary using LVSD; protocol 2 required the left ovary resected using LVSD and the right ovary using SCUD. Duration of ovary excision, complications, surgical smoke production, and collateral thermal damage were compared between SCUD and LVSD. Total surgery duration, postoperative convalescence, obesity, mesovarial fat score, and technique-associated costs were also recorded. RESULTS: Ovary excision was significantly faster with LVSD than SCUD. Surgical smoke production was significantly greater for SCUD than LVSD. Minor pedicle hemorrhage occurred 3 times with SCUD and one time with LVSD (not significantly different) and was easily corrected intraoperative. Presence of hemorrhage significantly increased ovary excision time. Technique-associated costs were lower for SCUD than LVSD. No significant differences were found in collateral thermal damage between SCUD and LVSD. Total surgery duration and convalescence time were similar to previous reports of Lap OVE in dogs at the authors' institution. CONCLUSIONS: SCUD is a cost-effective alternative for Lap OVE, taking into account differences in technique and user preference.

Laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy through an advanced lateral approach as treatment for insulinoma in dogs: a case series.

A minimally invasive partial pancreatectomy was performed through a novel laparoscopic lateral flank approach in sternal-oblique recumbency in four clinical cases presented with an insulinoma. All four cases were female castrated dogs of older age (range 7-9 years) and different breeds (Wire haired dachshund, German shepherd, Jack Russel terrier, and Boxer), and all presented with episodic weakness, tremors, and/or seizures. The diagnosis was based on plasma glucose level below reference range with concomitant increased or normal insulin level. A laparoscopic approach was considered based on triple-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings of the abdomen, revealing a pancreatic mass situated in the right pancreatic limb or left pancreatic limb without suspicion of metastasis. Laparoscopic procedures were performed without any major complications, and peri-operative glycemia increased to (supra-)normal levels in all cases. Histopathologic reports qualified the masses as neuroendocrine carcinomas, and in conjunction with the clinical picture, this neoplasia was further defined as insulinoma. Post-operative care in an intensive care unit was of short duration, and all animals were discharged being clinically normal and normoglycemic in between 1.5 and 2.5-day post-surgery. At short-term follow-up, no dogs showed clinical abnormalities, all recovered well from the surgical procedure, and blood glucose levels remained in the normal range. During long-term follow-up, 2 cases remained clinically normal at the time of writing, 564 and 1,211 days after surgery, 1 dog had recurrence of hypoglycemic episodes after 246 days and was euthanized after 673 days of surgery due to progressing disease, and 1 dog was euthanized after 1,028 days of surgery due to reasons unrelated to the insulinoma. Survival times ranged from 599 to 1,232 days after diagnosis. Considering the highly metastatic nature and difficulty of full laparoscopic staging of insulinoma patients, thorough pre-operative disease staging is warranted when considering a laparoscopic approach. This case series shows the feasibility of a novel laparoscopic flank approach for right and left partial pancreatectomy in dogs. Furthermore, proper case selection resulted in favorable outcome in these insulinoma patients.

Laparoscopic vs. open adrenalectomy: perioperative data and survival analysis in 70 dogs with an adrenal tumor.

Adrenalectomy is the treatment of choice in case of functional adrenal tumors and malignant adrenal incidentalomas. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in dogs has gained popularity in recent years, however, clinical studies on large patient populations are scarce. This retrospective study describes perioperative and recurrence data, survival, and prognostic factors in 70 dogs that underwent LA or open adrenalectomy (OA) in our hospital between 2008 and 2022. Diagnosis was based on history, clinical signs, endocrine function tests and advanced diagnostic imaging. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in 42 dogs (n = 27 naturally occurring hypercortisolism, n = 4 pheochromocytoma, n = 1 pheochromocytoma with concurrent hypercortisolism, n = 10 incidentaloma) and OA in 28 dogs (n = 22 hypercortisolism, n = 3 pheochromocytoma, n = 3 incidentaloma). Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 8/70 dogs. Surgical duration of LA and OA did not differ significantly in unilateral and bilateral procedures (P = 0.108 and P = 0.101, respectively). Systemic hypertension occurred in 7/41 and 1/28 dogs during LA and OA, respectively (P = 0.130). Hypotension occurred in 2/41 and 4/28 dogs during LA and OA, respectively (P = 0.214). A total of 40/42 dogs in the LA group and 27/28 in the OA group survived to discharge (P = 0.810). Mean hospital stay was significantly shorter (P = 0.006) after LA (1.5 days, range 1-3) than after OA (2.2 days, range 1-4). No significant differences were demonstrated between LA and OA groups in recurrence of adrenal-dependent endocrine disease (P = 0.332), disease-free period (P = 0.733) and survival time (P = 0.353). The disease-specific 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 95, 89, and 89% after LA and 92, 88, and 81% after OA. Tumor size was significantly associated with the occurrence of a recurrence. In addition, tumor size had a negative effect on the disease-free period and survival time. This study shows a favorable outcome of both LA and OA in dogs. Based on low perioperative complication rate, short hospitalization time and long-term outcomes comparable to OA in selected cases, the less invasive laparoscopic approach is considered the preferred technique.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for resection of unilateral noninvasive adrenal masses in dogs is associated with excellent outcomes in experienced centers.

OBJECTIVE: To report the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for resection of unilateral adrenal masses and to document risk factors for conversion and peri- and postoperative morbidity. ANIMALS: 255 client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs were included if LA was attempted for resection of a unilateral adrenal mass. Medical records were evaluated and relevant data were reported, including complications, conversion, perioperative death, and long-term outcomes. Signalment, clinicopathological data, and surgical experience were factors statistically evaluated for possible associations with capsular penetration during surgery, conversion, surgical time, duration of hospital stay, death prior to discharge, mass recurrence, and survival time. RESULTS: 155 dogs had left-sided tumors, and 100 had right-sided tumors. Conversion to an open approach was performed in 9.4% of cases. Capsular penetration (19.2%) and major hemorrhage (5.4%) were the most prevalent intraoperative complications. Of the dogs operated on, 94.9% were discharged from the hospital. Lesion side, portion of the gland affected, and surgeon experience influenced surgical time. Conversion rate increased with increasing body condition score and lesion size. Risk of death prior to discharge increased with increasing lesion size. Risk of conversion and death prior to discharge were lower when performed by more experienced surgeons. Capsular penetration during LA increased the risk of tumor recurrence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LA for resection of unilateral adrenal masses is associated with excellent outcomes in experienced centers. Surgeons with greater experience with LA have lower surgical times, conversion rates, and risk of death prior to discharge.

Reference intervals for plasma, urinary, and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines in dogs: Relevance to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of free metanephrines is recommended for screening of pheochromocytoma (PCC) but requires appropriate reference intervals (RIs). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To report RIs for plasma, urinary and salivary concentrations of free metanephrines and to determine the diagnostic performance of plasma free normetanephrine (pNMN) and metanephrine (pMN) concentrations in dogs with PCC, hypercortisolism (HC), and nonadrenal illness (NAI). ANIMALS: Eighty healthy dogs, 11 PCC dogs, 25 HC dogs, 6 NAI dogs. METHODS: Plasma, urine, and saliva were collected prospectively from healthy dogs, and free metanephrine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, medical records of dogs that had plasma free metanephrine concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS between 2018-2021 were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The RIs for free metanephrines in plasma, urine and saliva are reported. Dogs with PCC had significantly higher pNMN than dogs with HC (P < .001) and NAI (P = .002). The PCC dogs had significantly higher pMN than HC dogs (P < .001), but not higher than NAI dogs (P = .29). Using the upper reference limit, pNMN (>3.56 nmol/L) showed high sensitivity (100%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 72-100) and specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99) for diagnosis of PCC, whereas pMN (>2.49 nmol/L) showed moderate sensitivity (73%, 95% CI: 39-94) and high specificity (94%, 95% CI: 79-99). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: With establishment of these RIs, biochemical testing for PCC in dogs can be substantially improved. Measurement of pNMN is superior to pMN in dogs with PCC.

CDC6: A novel canine tumour biomarker detected in circulating extracellular vesicles.

Circulating nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles (EV) represent novel biomarkers to diagnose cancer. The non-invasive nature of these so-called liquid biopsies provides an attractive alternative to tissue biopsy-based cancer diagnostics. This study aimed to investigate if circulating cell cycle-related E2F target transcripts can be used to diagnose tumours in canine tumour patients with different types of tumours. Furthermore, we assessed if these mRNAs are localised within circulating EV. We isolated total RNA from the plasma of 20 canine tumour patients and 20 healthy controls. Four E2F target genes (CDC6, DHFR, H2AFZ and ATAD2) were selected based on the analysis of published data of tumour samples available in public databases. We performed reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR to analyse the plasma levels of selected E2F target transcripts. All four E2F target transcripts were detectable in the plasma of canine tumour patients. CDC6 mRNA levels were significantly higher in the plasma of canine tumour patients compared to healthy controls. A subset of canine tumour patient and healthy control plasma samples (n = 7) were subjected to size exclusion chromatography in order to validate association of the E2F target transcripts to circulating EV. For CDC6, EV analysis enhanced their detectability compared to total plasma analysis. In conclusion, our study reveals circulating CDC6 as a promising non-invasive biomarker to diagnose canine tumours.

Molecular targets for anticancer therapies in companion animals and humans: what can we learn from each other?

Despite clinical successes in the treatment of some early stage cancers, it is undeniable that novel and innovative approaches are needed to aid in the fight against cancer. Targeted therapies offer the desirable feature of tumor specificity while sparing healthy tissues, thereby minimizing side effects. However, the success rate of translation of these therapies from the preclinical setting to the clinic is dramatically low, highlighting an important point of necessary improvement in the drug development process in the oncology field. The practice of a comparative oncology approach can address some of the current issues, by introducing companion animals with spontaneous tumors in the linear drug development programs. In this way, animals from the veterinary clinic get access to novel/innovative therapies, otherwise inaccessible, while generating robust data to aid therapy refinement and increase translational success. In this review, we present an overview of targetable membrane proteins expressed in the most well-characterized canine and feline solid cancers, greatly resembling the counterpart human malignancies. We identified particular areas in which a closer collaboration between the human and veterinary clinic would benefit both human and veterinary patients. Considerations and challenges to implement comparative oncology in the development of anticancer targeted therapies are also discussed.

Circulating MicroRNAs as Non-invasive Biomarkers for Canine Cushing's Syndrome.

Canine Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism) can be caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH) or a cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumor (csACT). For both cases, non-invasive biomarkers that could pre-operatively predict the risk of recurrence after surgery would greatly impact clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as diagnostic (presence of PDH or csACT) and/or prognostic (disease recurrence, histological grade) non-invasive biomarkers for canine Cushing's syndrome. After a pilot study with 40 miRNAs in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 3), dogs with PDH (n = 3) and dogs with a csACT (n = 4), we selected a total of 20 miRNAs for the definitive study. In the definitive study, these 20 miRNAs were analyzed in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 6), dogs with PDH (n = 19, pre- and post-operative samples) and dogs with a csACT (n = 26, pre-operative samples). In dogs with PDH, six miRNAs (miR-122-5p, miR-126-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-375-3p and miR-483-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Of one miRNA, miR-122-5p, the expression levels did not overlap between healthy dogs and dogs with PDH (p = 2.9x10-4), significantly decreased after hypophysectomy (p = 0.013), and were significantly higher (p = 0.017) in dogs with recurrence (n = 3) than in dogs without recurrence for at least one year after hypophysectomy (n = 7). In dogs with csACTs, two miRNAs (miR-483-3p and miR-223-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Additionally, miR-141-3p was expressed significantly lower (p = 0.009) in dogs with csACTs that had a histopathological Utrecht score of ≥ 11 compared to those with a score of <11. These results indicate that circulating miRNAs have the potential to be non-invasive biomarkers in dogs with Cushing's syndrome that may contribute to clinical decision making.

Nanobody-targeted photodynamic therapy for the treatment of feline oral carcinoma: a step towards translation to the veterinary clinic.

Nanobody-targeted photodynamic therapy (NB-PDT) has been developed as a potent and tumor-selective treatment, using nanobodies (NBs) to deliver a photosensitizer (PS) specifically to cancer cells. Upon local light application, reactive oxygen species are formed and consequent cell death occurs. NB-PDT has preclinically shown evident success and we next aim to treat cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which has very limited therapeutic options and is regarded as a natural model of human head and neck SCC. Immunohistochemistry of feline OSCC tissue confirmed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a relevant target with expression in cancer cells and not in the surrounding stroma. Three feline OSCC cell lines were employed together with a well-characterized human cancer cell line (HeLa), all with similar EGFR expression, and a low EGFR-expressing human cell line (MCF7), mirroring the EGFR expression level in the surrounding mucosal stroma. NBA was identified as a NB binding human and feline EGFR with comparable high affinity. This NB was developed into NiBh, a NB-PS conjugate with high PS payload able to effectively kill feline OSCC and HeLa cell lines, after illumination. Importantly, the specificity of NB-PDT was confirmed in co-cultures where only the feline OSCC cells were killed while surrounding MCF7 cells were unaffected. Altogether, NiBh can be used for NB-PDT to treat feline OSCC and further advance NB-PDT towards the human clinic.

Outcomes of cats treated with maxillectomy: 60 cases. A Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology retrospective study.

Maxillectomy is poorly described for the management of oral tumours in cats and is occasionally not recommended because of the high complication rate and sub-optimal outcome reported in cats treated with mandibulectomy. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the complications and oncologic outcome in cats treated with maxillectomy. Sixty cats were included in the study. Maxillectomy procedures included unilateral rostral (20.0%), bilateral rostral (23.3%), segmental (10.0%), caudal (20.0%) and total unilateral maxillectomy (26.7%). Intra-operative and post-operative complications were reported in 10 (16.7%) and 34 (56.7%) cats, respectively. The most common post-operative complications were hyporexia (20.0%) and incisional dehiscence (20.0%). The median duration of hyporexia was 7 days. Benign tumours were diagnosed in 19 cats (31.7%) and malignant tumours in 41 cats (68.3%). Local recurrence and metastatic rates were 18.3% and 4.9%, respectively; the median progression-free interval (PFI) was not reached. The disease-related median survival time was not reached overall or for either benign or malignant tumours. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were, respectively, 100% and 79% for cats with benign tumours, 89% and 89% for cats with malignant tumours, 94% and 94% for cats with fibrosarcomas, 83% and 83% for cats with squamous cell carcinomas, and 80% and 80% for cats with osteosarcomas. Poor prognostic factors included mitotic index for PFI, adjuvant chemotherapy for both PFI and survival time, and local recurrence for survival time. Maxillectomy is a viable treatment option for cats resulting in good local tumour control and long survival times.

The Utrecht Score: A novel histopathological scoring system to assess the prognosis of dogs with cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumours.

A cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumour (ACT) is the cause of naturally occurring canine hypercortisolism in approximately 15% to 20% of cases. The differentiation between an adrenocortical adenoma and carcinoma is usually based on histopathology. However, histopathological parameters have never been linked to the dogs' survival. Moreover, in human medicine the inter-observer variability of some histopathological parameters that are used for ACTs is high. The objective of this study was to establish a reliable and easy-to-use histopathological scoring system for cortisol-secreting ACTs that can assess the prognosis of dogs after adrenalectomy. Cortisol-secreting ACTs of 50 dogs, collected between 2002 and 2015, were included in this study. Twenty histopathological features were assessed by one veterinary pathologist and one resident in veterinary pathology. In addition, the Ki67 proliferation index was assessed by two observers. Only parameters with intra- and inter-observer agreement scores (intra-class correlation or Cohen's kappa coefficient) of ≥0.40 were included in survival analyses. Use of multivariate forward stepwise regression analysis with associated hazard ratios led us to a scoring system which we call the Utrecht score: the Ki67 proliferation index, +4 if more than 33% of the tumour cells have clear/vacuolated cytoplasm and + 3 if necrosis is present. Using cut-off values of 6 and 11, we could distinguish three groups that had significantly shorter survival times with increasing Utrecht scores. We conclude that the Utrecht score can be used to assess the prognosis of dogs with cortisol-secreting ACTs after adrenalectomy, which can help to select high-risk dogs that might benefit from adjuvant treatment or additional monitoring.

Utility of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the evaluation of canine insulinoma location.

OBJECTIVES: To determine 1) the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) for detection of primary canine insulinomas and metastases 2) the sensitivity of CECT to locate canine insulinomas within the pancreas and 3) the CECT attenuation pattern of canine insulinomas and post-contrast phase in which insulinomas have the best visibility. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of 27 canine insulinoma patients. Simultaneous occurrence of blood glucose < 3.5 mmol/L (reference interval: 4.2-5.8 mmol/L) and plasma insulin > 10 mIU/L (reference interval: 1.4-24.5 mIU/L) were considered diagnostic for insulinoma. The dogs had a mean age of 9.0 ± 1.7 (SD) years and comprised 11 males and 17 females. RESULTS: Using CECT-scans, 26/27 insulinomas were successfully detected. However, CECT-scans predicted the correct location of insulinomas within the pancreas in only 14/27 dogs. In 9/13 inaccurately located insulinoma cases, the location error was major. There was no significant difference between triple, double and single-phase CECT-scans with location accuracies of 54%, 50% and 50%, respectively. Also, there was no specific post-contrast phase in which insulinomas could be visualised best. Detection of lymph node metastases with CECT-scans had a sensitivity of 67% (10/15 lymph node metastases). Detection of liver metastases had a sensitivity of 75% (6/8 liver metastases). This study highlights that major location errors mainly occurred if single- or double-phase CECT-scans were used (6/9 cases). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that triple-phase CECT-scans have superior outcome over single- or double-phase CECT-scans in pre-operative imaging of canine insulinomas.

Intratumoral injection of radioactive holmium-166 microspheres in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: preliminary results of first use.

BACKGROUND: Limited treatment options exist for patients with locoregional recurrences of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In the palliative setting, a single session, minimally invasive, and relatively safe therapy is desirable. This case series illustrates the feasibility of a direct intratumoral injection of radioactive holmium-166 microspheres (HoMS) in patients as a palliative treatment for recurrent HNSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, patients with already reirradiated irresectable recurrent HNSCC, for whom palliative chemotherapy was unsuccessful or impossible, were offered microbrachytherapy with HoMS. The intratumoral injection was administered manually under ultrasound guidance. Parameters scored were technical feasibility (i.e. administration, leakage, and distribution), clinical response (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors 1.1), and complications (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 4.3). RESULTS: From 2015 to 2017, three patients were treated. None of the patients experienced adverse events; however, therapeutic effects were minimal. Technical difficulties, including precipitating of microspheres and high intratumoral pressure, resulted in suboptimal distribution of the microspheres. CONCLUSION: Intratumoral injections with HoMS are minimally invasive and relatively safe in palliation of HNSCC patients. Careful patient selection and improved administration techniques are required to provide a more effective treatment. Further investigation of this novel treatment modality should be carried out because of the absence of side effects and lack of other treatment options.

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in cats: comparison of laser and bipolar electrocoagulation.

Fourteen mixed-breed domestic cats underwent laparoscopic ovariectomy (lapOVE) using paediatric equipment, an Nd:YAG laser and a bipolar electrocoagulation forceps. Cats were placed in 10 degrees Trendelenburg position (head down) and insufflation pressure was kept at 4mmHg, while surgery was performed through three midline portals. Randomly-assigned unilateral laser resection of one ovary (laserOVE) and bipolar electrocoagulation (BECOVE) of the contralateral ovary were performed. Duration of predetermined surgery intervals was recorded, as well as occurrence of intra- and postoperative complications. Both methods were successful and without complications. Duration of laserOVE was significantly increased compared to BECOVE. The right ovary was more difficult to access; however, both ovaries were easy to manipulate because of the relatively long suspensory ligament. The ovarian ligaments contained minimal amounts of fat and obesity did not influence surgery duration. Convalescence period was short (0.9+/-0.4 days) and owner satisfaction high.

Comparison of Nd:YAG surgical laser and Remorgida bipolar electrosurgery forceps for canine laparoscopic ovariectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare technique, surgical time, and complications of canine laparoscopic ovariectomy using Nd:YAG surgical laser and Remorgida bipolar electrosurgery forceps. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Female dogs (n=40) for elective ovariectomy. METHODS: Dogs had bilateral ovariectomy with one ovary randomly assigned to removal by use of Nd:YAG surgical laser with a 600 mum optical fiber in contact mode and the other ovary to removal by use of a Remorgida forceps (featuring bipolar electrocoagulation with simultaneous sharp resection). Duration of predetermined surgery intervals and complications were compared between techniques. Additionally, the effects of several intraoperative variables on surgical time were evaluated. RESULTS: Ovariectomy by use of Remorgida forceps required significantly less time than laser ovariectomy but intraoperative hemorrhage was not reduced. Surgical time was significantly increased in obese dogs, depending on the amount of fat in the ovarian ligament. Intraoperative hemorrhage had no significant influence on surgical time. CONCLUSION: Both ovariectomy techniques were effective but the Remorgida forceps can be used as a relatively inexpensive, stand-alone device that decreases surgical time compared with Nd:YAG laser ovariectomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Novel techniques, such as laser and combined bipolar electrosurgical and cutting forceps aim to reduce surgery duration, complication rates and recovery time in laparoscopic surgery.

Intratumoral treatment with radioactive beta-emitting microparticles: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the role of radioactive microparticles (1-100 µm) for the treatment of solid tumors and provide a comprehensive overview of the feasibility, safety, and efficacy. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library (January 2017) by combining synonyms for the determinants "tumor," "injection," and "radionuclide." Data on injection technique, toxicity, tumor response, and survival were collected. RESULTS: The search yielded 7271 studies, and 37 were included for analysis. Twelve studies were performed in human patients and 25 animal studies. The studies were heterogeneous in patient population, tumors, follow-up time, and treatment characteristics. The direct intratumoral injection of radioactive microparticles resulted in a response rate of 71% in a variety of tumors and uncomplicated procedures with high cumulative doses of >19,000 Gy were reported. CONCLUSION: The large variety of particles, techniques, and treated tumors in the studies provided an important insight into issues concerning efficacy, safety, particle and isotope choice, and other concepts for future research. Animal studies showed efficacy and a dose response. Most studies in humans concluded that intratumoral treatment with radioactive beta-emitting microparticles is relatively safe and effective. Conflicting evidence about safety and efficacy might be explained by the considerable variation in the treatment characteristics. Larger particles had a better retention which resulted in higher anti-tumor effect. Leakage seems to follow the path of least resistance depending on anatomical structures. Subsequently, a grid-like injection procedure with small volume depots is advised over a single large infusion. Controlled image-guided treatment is necessary because inadequate local delivery and inhomogeneous dose distribution result in reduced treatment efficacy and in potential complications.

Partial prostatectomy using Nd:YAG laser for management of canine prostate carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for partial prostatectomy by laser dissection and to evaluate outcome and complications in dogs with prostate carcinoma (PCA). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental and clinical case series. ANIMALS: Four normal dogs and 8 dogs with PCA. METHODS: Subcapsular partial prostatectomy, sparing the urethra and the dorsal aspect of the prostatic capsule, using Nd:YAG laser dissection to remove the prostatic parenchyma and control hemorrhage was performed in 4 normal dogs and subsequently in 8 dogs with histologically confirmed PCA. Additional treatment of PCA dogs included local application of interleukin-2 and systemic administration of meloxicam. Prostate size, complications, and survival time were recorded. Laser-associated thermal damage to surrounding tissue was evaluated by histology. RESULTS: In normal dogs, no damage to the dorsal prostatic capsule or urethra was detected. In PCA dogs, median survival was 103 days (range, 5-239 days). Three dogs died from complications within 16 days, whereas 5 (median survival, 183 days; range, 91-239 days) had improvement or resolution of clinical signs. Urinary incontinence did not occur. CONCLUSION: Laser assisted subcapsular partial prostatectomy can be performed in dogs with PCA without development of postoperative incontinence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subcapsular partial prostatectomy is a potential palliative treatment for PCA in dogs and may lead to the resolution of clinical signs for several months.