Using Spontaneous Large Animal Models of Cancer to Test Near-Infrared Imaging Strategies

David Holt, BVSc, Diplomate ACVS

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

            Many new cancer treatments and imaging strategies undergo initial testing in mice.  In these trials the tumors are almost always injected or induced, and the mice are often genetically identical, and either genetically engineered or immunosuppressed to prevent tumor rejection.   By contrast, client owned dogs are genetically heterogenous and their tumors develop spontaneously in the context of intact innate and adaptive immune systems.  Dogs’ tumors are often biologically and behaviorally similar to those in humans.  This presentation will illustrate testing of near-infrared fluorophores and imaging systems in several types of spontaneous canine tumors.  These tests facilitated approval for human testing.  Two fluorophores and at least two imaging systems are now used in human oncologic surgery. 

Presenter Biography:
David Holt graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney in 1983 and worked in private practice until 1985. He completed an internship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine between 1985 and 1986 then practiced in Australia from 1986 to 1987. He completed a residency in surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine between 1987 and 1990. He is currently Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and a Dilpomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

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