*New 10/1/24 – FLASH Radiotherapy for Canine Osteosarcoma
FLASH radiation is defined as ultra-high dose rate radiation which has been shown in small animal and tissue models to spare normal tissues to a greater extent than normal radiation.
Any dog with suspect osteosarcoma on a limb will qualify.
1 treatment of radiation will be performed. Then your dog will be randomized to the FLASH group or the conventional radiation group for treatments. They will have 4 once/week follow up visits. If amputation is elected, it will be performed 1 month after the start of the study and the cost is covered by the study.
For more information, contact Dr. Tricia Hu at tghu@wisc.edu or Dr. Nathaniel Van Asselt at nvanasselt@wisc.edu or call 608-890-0422.
*New 9/5/24 – Scout Out Canine Hemangiosarcoma (SOCH) Study
The UW Veterinary Cancer Center is currently accepting patients with hemangiosarcoma for a vaccine immunotherapy trial. The main objective of this trial is to assess the effectiveness and safety of incorporating an immune-stimulating vaccine alongside the standard of care (surgery and chemotherapy) for managing hemangiosarcoma in dogs. The aim is to activate the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.
Eligibility:
Dogs must weigh ≥5 kg (11 lbs).
Dogs must have a biopsy confirmed diagnosis of splenic hemangiosarcoma, stage I or II.
Dogs must have undergone a splenectomy within the 3 weeks preceding trial entry.
Other eligibility requirements are established at the first visit.
This fully funded study pays for the following:
All required examination visits
Lab work (CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis)
Diagnostics every 8 weeks (thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound)
Standard of care chemotherapy (Doxorubicin) x 5 cycles
The study does not pay for splenectomy, which is required for diagnosis
Half of the dogs will get standard-of-care + investigational anti-cancer vaccine, and the other half will get standard-of-care + placebo.
For more information and to request entry into this clinical trial, please get in touch with us at Email: oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu or Phone: (608) 890-0422
Dogs with Naive Lymphoma
We are enrolling dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma that have not received other chemotherapy agents, immunosuppressants, or corticosteroids (prednisone). We are treating with a combination of Laverdia and CCNU to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different dosing protocols in the hopes of achieving better remission and survival times.
Clients need to pay all the costs associated with initial diagnosis. Once enrolled, the study pays for the treatment medications and recheck appointments, including labwork.
For more information, please contact our oncology service at 608-890-0422 or oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu.
Dogs with suspected limb osteosarcoma
The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of FLASH radiation on normal tissues in the dog. FLASH radiation is defined as an ultra-high dose rate delivery of radiation. Initial laboratory research has suggested that FLASH radiation is able to spare normal tissues to a greater extent than conventional radiation systems. We would like to test this in a controlled way by comparing FLASH radiation with a conventional radiation modality in the dog, which is a comparative model to a human. Skin response to radiation will be used for normal tissue assessment of radiation effect.
Dogs that have a high index of suspicion (metaphyseal lytic, proliferative monostotic bone lesion within the long bone of a mid to large breed dog) for diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma on presentation to UW Veterinary Care will be eligible for the study. Routine staging (chest radiographs, bloodwork, physical examination) will be optional and the owner will be responsible for the cost of staging. Dogs will still be eligible with the presence of pulmonary metastasis. Amputation will be performed at 4 weeks, and patients should be good amputation candidates prior to inclusion in the study. Tumors need to be located within 3-4 cm of the skin so they can be adequately treated with radiation.
For additional information, call 608-890-0422 or email oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu.
COTC 031: Evaluating Safety and Effectiveness of 45H1 (anti-CTLA-4), a novel anticancer agent, when given to dogs with B-cell Lymphoma
This study is for dogs with histologically confirmed B-cell Lymphoma who are between 15-60 kg. Dogs can be newly diagnosed or relapsed. No concurrent chemotherapy or radiation therapy is permitted. Dogs must be off all such therapy for two (2) weeks prior to study enrollment. No treatment with corticosteroids or l-asparaginase is permitted for seven (7) days prior to study enrollment.
Most costs associated with this study will be provided as part of your participation. In the event, any complications arise from study drug administration, their management will be covered by study funds up to $2000/per event. This would include any unanticipated hospitalizations. Please discuss the study costs with your clinician.
Additionally, support will be provided after your dog’s completion of this study, in the form of a $1000 gift towards additional treatment for your dog’s cancer at UWVC.
For more information, please contact oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu or 608-890-0422.
COTC034: Evaluating Outcomes in Dogs with Limb Osteosarcoma Treated Palliatively with Amputation Alone
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes for dogs treated palliatively with standard amputation (no chemotherapy). Recent data indicates that at least 35% of dogs do not appear to benefit from standard chemotherapy for this disease. To better understand whether chemotherapy is truly beneficial, this trial aims to document the outcomes prospectively and accurately for dogs whose owners have elected to treat only with surgery (amputation).
In order to enroll your pet to this trial:
· Your dog must be diagnosed with osteosarcoma
· Your dog must be equal to or more than 55 lbs.
If you allow your dog to participate in this study, you will be responsible for the cost of the initial examination with the UW Madison Oncology Service and all the screening diagnostic tests, which include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, urinalysis, chest x-rays, and abdominal ultrasound. If your dog is found eligible, the amputation surgery will be paid for by the study. If you change your mind after surgery and choose to treat your dog with chemotherapy, do not attend follow up appointments, or otherwise withdraw your dog prior to week 15, you will be billed for all costs associated with surgery (typically around $5,500.00). Chest x-rays and routine 8-week follow up visits will be covered by the study up until 2-years. If your dog experiences adverse events related to the study, a total of $1000 will be allotted toward coverage of required care at UW Madison. In addition, you will receive a $500 credit towards palliative and comfort care that can be used here at UW Madison (oral medications etc.).
If your dog is determined to have another type of cancer other than osteosarcoma when the biopsy is processed after amputation, your dog will be removed from the trial, but the costs of surgery will still be covered by the study. For more information about possible costs, please contact oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu or 608-890-0422.
Phase II Open-label Non-Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial of Trametinib for Dogs with Histiocytic Sarcoma
NEW UW Trametinib Phase II Owner Informed Consent 12.22.23
Purpose and Brief Explanation of Study:This study investigates a new anti-cancer drug, Trametinib, that specifically ‘targets’ a growth signaling pathway found in cancer cells from companion (pet) dogs. This study will determine the anti-tumor activity of Trametinib in dogs with histiocytic sarcoma.
- The physical examination at each study visit until week 14
- Trametinib will be supplied at no cost to the owner.·
- CBC, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and UPC at indicated study visits until week 14·
- Blood pressure measurement at indicated study visits until week 14·
- Thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound at indicated study visits until week 14·
- Cardiology consult, if needed, at indicated study visits until week 14·
- The Pretreatment tumor biopsy
Looking for Cats with Large Cell Lymphoma
COTC033a (Shingrix/Gardasil) & COTC033b (Rabies):
Repurposing Vaccine Immunity to Treat Cancers
Patients with solid tumors (except oral malignant melanoma, mast cell tumor, histiocytic sarcoma) without metastasis can enroll in this trial.
This clinical trial led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) assesses the safety and effectiveness of a Vaccine Peptide Library (VPL) when given to dogs with cancer. Studies in dogs with cancer will complement currently open human trials designed to test new doses and effects of this agent.
If your dog’s cancer responds well to the treatment they have been assigned, you may have the option to continue to give the same treatment to your dog. During that time, you will need to continue to regularly visit the UW Veterinary Care (UWVC) for physical examinations and assessments.
Most costs associated with this study will be provided as part of your participation. In the event, any complications arise from study drug administration, their management will be covered by study funds up to $2000/per dog/event. This would include any unanticipated hospitalizations. Please discuss the study costs with your clinician. Additionally, support will be provided after your dog’s completion of this study in the form of a $1000 credit towards additional treatment for your dog’s cancer at UWVC.
RPT (Radiopharmaceutical Therapy): Combination Radiation and Immunotherapy for Advanced Cancer
In collaboration with the UW Carbone Cancer Center, we are developing a new approach to the treatment of cancer that has spread beyond the primary tumor (metastatic cancer). This trial involves 2 ways to stimulate a patient’s own immune system to fight their cancer 1) “Immune checkpoint inhibition” (ICI), and 2) low-dose radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT).
All costs associated with initial screening to determine eligibility (laboratory tests, X-rays, etc.) and costs associated with treatment, scans, hospitalizations, and follow-up evaluations are paid for by the study. Clients participating in this study will be given $3000 (three thousand dollars) credited to their dog’s UW Veterinary Care account upon completion for additional treatment. Patients with solid tumors that have metastasized, and stage 4 malignant melanoma patients can enroll to this trial.
Dogs with Oral Melanoma
Looking for dogs over 7 pounds who have been diagnosed with Stage III oral melanoma (not confined to the lip). Dogs cannot have received the melanoma vaccine or have lung metastasis. Please see flyer for more information. Contact oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu with questions or to enroll.
Dogs with Malignant Melanoma
S21028 – A multicenter, placebo-controlled field study evaluating a new investigational drug in dogs with malignant melanoma (except melanoma confined to the lip): The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a new investigational drug compared to a control (placebo) group in dogs with malignant melanoma using progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months after randomization. PFS is the length of time during and after the treatment of a disease, such as cancer, that a patient lives with the disease, but it does not get worse.
Eligible dogs will be randomized to receive the investigational drug or placebo once every 2 weeks for 168 days. There will be a 33.3% chance of being randomized to the placebo group in this study. During the course of the study, routine blood work, urinalysis and thoracic radiographs will be performed. At 6 months after starting treatment, PFS will be compared between the investigational drug and the placebo group.
As an incentive, patients who were receiving the placebo and confirmed progressive disease at day 56 or later can get the investigational drug for 6 months. Furthermore, patients who were receiving the investigational drug and doing well can keep receiving the investigational drug for an additional 6 months.
For further information or to enroll a potential patient, please contact our clinical trials interns Tricia Hu and Christen Montesanto or email oncclinicaltrials@wisc.edu.
Visbiome Vs Metronidazole for diarrhea in dogs with lymphoma on CHOP
The UWVC Oncology service is evaluating the efficacy of a probiotic (Visbiome Vet®), compared to traditionally used metronidazole for the management of chemotherapy induced diarrhea in dogs with multicentric lymphoma receiving a 19-week CHOP chemotherapy protocol.
Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of multicentric lymphoma whose owners present to the UWVC oncology service for consultation and elect to treat their dog with 19-week CHOP protocol will be given the option to participate in the clinical trial. Dogs will be randomized into either the Visbiome® Vet or metronidazole treatment groups.
Owners of patients in both groups will be instructed to keep a diary once enrolled in the trial to monitor stool frequency, consistency, and schedule. Diet and medications will also be recorded; owners will be instructed to keep their dog’s diet consistent. Owners will start the respective diarrhea management medication once stools reach a fecal score of >4 (Fecal Scoring System, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, St. Louis, MO), or increased frequency or urgency from baseline is noted. The Fecal Scoring System will be provided for owners, and they will also be encouraged to take photos of their dogs’ eliminations. Stool samples will be collected at baseline/enrollment, prior to each doxorubicin administration, and 1 month after completion of chemotherapy. These samples will be analyzed in future research with consultation with the Gastrointestinal lab at Texas A&M University.
Owners will be financially responsible all costs associated with diagnosis of multicentric lymphoma and treatment with CHOP chemotherapy with the exception of recheck examination fees for timepoints associated with fecal sample collection, which will be covered by the study as client incentive. The cost of metronidazole or Visbiome® Vet (depending upon their randomized group) will be paid for by the study.
For further information or to enroll a potential patient, please contact oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu or call 608-890-0422.
Dogs with Histologically confirmed, high-grade lymphoma or non-sarcomatous solid tumors
This is a trial led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to assesses the safety and effectiveness of TdCyd and Aza-TdC, novel anticancer agents in dogs with cancer. This study will complement currently open human trials designed to test new doses and effects of these agents.
Both newly diagnosed and those with recurrent/relapsed disease are eligible to participate.
Lymphoma Flyer
We are evaluating the effectiveness and safety of verdinexor for the treatment of Lymphoma in dogs. The study will evaluate verdinexor compared to a placebo (a tablet that does not contain verdinexor). Dogs will have a 1 in 5 chance of receiving the placebo. Your participation in the study will be for 56 days, during which time you will need to bring your dog to UW Veterinary Care for scheduled or unscheduled follow-up visits.
- Owner Requirements: Your dog’s living environment and feeding habits during the duration of the study are up to you – at your discretion, except that you must give the investigational treatment with food or just after feeding your dog a meal or a “snack”.
- Study Visits: You will need to bring your dog in to UW Veterinary Care for the Day 0, 7 (± 2), 14 (± 2), 28 (± 3), 42 (± 3) and 56 (± 3) visits. Depending on how your dog is feeling, you may also be required to bring him/her for unscheduled visits. You will receive a phone call on Day 4 to determine if your dog should be re-evaluated before the scheduled Day 7 visit.
- Dosing: You will dose your dog at home orally twice per week with at least 72 hours between doses, at approximately the same time each day and record this information
- Monitoring: You should monitor your dog for any abnormal health observation during the study and record this information. You must contact the veterinarian as soon as possible should you have any concern.
- Costs: If you elect to enroll your dog in the study, the study will provide the investigational treatment to be used during the study and pay for the study-related cost of the examinations and tests. If your dog has any adverse events that are study related and require treatment, the study will cover the costs of reasonable treatment.