Scent detection by canines has been investigated in melanoma, ovarian, bladder, and colorectal cancer with promising results. In a prior study, we showed that ...
Prognostic implications of intraoperative imaging for thyroidectomy specimens: an effort to reduce revision surgery Andrew M. Hinson1, Arny A. Ferrando2, Bekka Wilkerson2, Brendan C. Stack Jr.1, Donald L. Bodenner2 1Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, 2Department of Geriatrics, UAMS, Little Rock, AR
Introduction Scent detection by canines has been investigated in melanoma, ovarian, bladder, and colorectal cancer with promising results. In a prior study, we showed that canines imprinted on conventional papillary thyroid cancer were able to discriminate between urine samples (N=58) from subjects with metastatic (n=19) or benign disease (n=39) with a sensitivity of 97.2% and specificity of 97.3%.
Methods In the present study, two dogs, previously trained in search and rescue for human remains detection, were imprinted with tissue, blood and urine from pathologically verified papillary thyroid cancer (conventional type). Following imprinting, discrimination training involving the random presentation of cancer and non-cancer samples was performed over a period of six months. Correct answers were rewarded with positive reinforcement. Following training, urine specimens were prospectively collected from 22 subjects presenting to our thyroid clinic with > 1 thyroid nodule(s). A gloved handler, blinded to the sample status, presented the samples to each dog. The dogs’ responses were relayed to the study coordinator. When correct, the dog was rewarded with verbal excitement and a high-value treat.
Results Only samples from surgically confirmed conventional papillary thyroid cancer were included in the final data set. Correct responses were given in 21 of 22 urine samples, resulting in a sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 100.0% (1 false negative).
Conclusions Scent detection by trained dogs to aid in the evaluation of thyroid nodules may serve as a non-invasive adjunct to current diagnostic practices. Ongoing expansion of our dataset will determine final accuracy of these trained canines.
John D. Border collie mix, rescued from shelter.
References 1. Ferrando AA, Hinson AM, Wilkerson B, Stack BC Jr., Bodenner DL. Canine detection of metastatic thyroid cancer. Video Endocrinology, 2014. Accepted, in publication.
Frankie. Hound mix, rescued from shelter.
