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Samarium-153 for Treatment of Bone Tumors

We offer a new treatment for bone tumors: a bone-seeking, radioactive drug known as Samarium-153. The treatment itself consists of an injection of Samarium-153, a radioactive isotope that targets rapidly growing bone cells. Palliative (pain relief) and even curative effects have been demonstrated in dogs using Samarium to treat a variety of skeletal neoplasia, both primary (osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma) and metastatic.

After a bone scan, which allows for a more accurate evaluation of the bone and tumor, and possible metastatic lesions, the dog is injected with the Samarium-153. During the following two-day period, during which time the dog is highly radioactive, it is kept in isolation and monitored by Radiology staff. The dog is then released back to the owner. During the following six weeks, the Samarium remains within the tumor emitting beta rays that destroy the tumor cells.