Giant panda with oral osteosarcoma to receive interventional treatment

(ECNS) -- The 23-year-old giant panda Wu Gang who was diagnosed with malignant oral osteosarcoma is to receive interventional therapy, said the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda on Monday.

At the beginning of 2023, Wu Gang had a tumor in his mouth, followed by bleeding, which was then confirmed as the malignant oral osteosarcoma after medical diagnosis. 

The medical team, composed of experts from the Conservation and Research Center, the West China Hospital of Stomatology of Sichuan University, and the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, has performed two tumor reduction operations for the panda, but the surgical effect is not ideal.

The osteosarcoma grows fast, leading to frequent oral bleeding with increasing volume. Wu Gang can only eat bamboo shoots in small pieces, concentrated feed, fruits and vegetables to maintain his body functions. However, with the continuous deterioration of the osteosarcoma, his life is in danger.

There is no report on the treatment of oral osteosarcoma in giant pandas, while clinical treatment and scientific research data remains blank.