Just heard about this exciting clinical trial that's happening at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Oncology Department.

This is a non-surgical treatment option for dogs and cats with tumors like mast cell, soft tissue sarcomas, etc. who have not had chemotherapy within 3 weeks, or radiation within 6 months, prior to beginning the study. It is not for bone cancers.

Pilot Study of AuroLase^® Therapy for the Treatment of Canine and Feline Solid Tumors

Modern cancer therapies use strategies that aim to get rid of cancer while preserving healthy tissue and maintaining the best possible quality of life. The current treatments for dog and cat solid tumors include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or any combination of these three.

This study is investigating a gold nanoparticle-based, ablative technique that aims to destroy tumor cells while limiting damage to healthy tissue. This approach has the potential to directly benefit animals with cancer, as well as indirectly benefit human cancer patients by advancing our knowledge of cancer therapy.

We spoke with the lead researcher, Dr. Dervisis, who says:

"Unfortunately, AuroLase therapy is not indicated for any tumors that invade or originate from the bone because the Laser cannot penetrate bone tissue. Superficial tumors that do not involve bone, such as mast cell tumors or soft tissue sarcomas, may be candidates, depending on the tumor size, location, etc."

Read more.

An interesting radio segment discusses it in detail:

Cancer: Treating Tumors Without Surgery