Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to play a part in your pet's health care. As a university teaching hospital, it is our goal to learn more about the debilitating cancers that our beloved pets experience. Through collaborations within and beyond UC Davis, we are conducting various cancer-related studies at the leading edge of cancer research. When your pet participates in one of our studies, you allow us the opportunity to increase our understanding of this debilitating disease that plagues loved ones, both humans and animals.
Canine patients with Cancer
Canine patients with Osteosarcoma
Canine patients with Lymphoma
Patient Disease
Canine patients with Cancer; Lymphoma, Mast Cell Tumor, or Hystiocytic Sarcoma
Study Name
DenamarinTM
Purpose of the Study
Dogs with cancer that will be receiving CCNU as part of their chemotherapy protocol will be asked to participate in a randomized study. CCNU is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug used to treat dogs with lymphoma, mast cell tumors, histiocytic sarcoma, and other cancers. CCNU is known to be hepatoxic and most dogs receiving the drug will experience some changes in blood liver values, although clinical signs of liver failure are rare. In some cases, these changes require treatment adjustments and, occasionally, treatment may be discontinued to avoid severe liver damage. Denamarin is a combination of two nutraceuticals, S-adenosylmethionine and Marin, both of which have proven hepatoprotective effects. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Denamarin prevents blood liver value elevations in dogs with cancer that are being treated with CCNU. Dogs will be randomized to start Denamarin treatment at the time CCNU is first prescribed.
Patient Entry Criteria
To qualify for this study, the canine patient must have a confirmed diagnosis of Lymphoma, Mast Cell Tumor or Hystiocytic Sarcoma. Patients beginning CCNU as chemotherapy with normal blood ALT levels and are not on any other anti-oxidants, are eligible for the study.
Owner Responsibilities
The owner is responsible for the cost of the initial tests and most treatment costs to insure eligibility to participate. Additionally, the client will be required to fill out a questionnaire on their pets progress once a week.
Financial Incentives
Once the patient is enrolled, the study pays for the cost of regular bloodwork to evaluate liver health at each visit and for the DenamarinTM that will be provided at no cost to the owner. For more information regarding this clinical trial, please contact our Clinical Trials Coordinator at 530.752.0125.
Patient Disease
Canine patients with Cancer on the trunk or extremities undergoing Radiation Therapy: Soft Tissue Sarcomas or Mast Cell Tumors
Study Name
Previcox®
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to assess the affect of the NSAID Previcox (firocoxib) and Prednisone on the development, severity and duration of radiation induced skin reactions in dogs. Treated dogs will be compared to animals receiving no therapy during radiation. Additionally, radiation induced skin reactions will be described. Side Effects of the anti-inflammatory drugs will be monitored.
Patient Entry Criteria
Microscopic disease requiring full course (3Gyx16) radiation therapy for a tumor on the trunk or extremities, the canine patient must be able to tolerate both forms of anti-inflammatory drug (for randomization), Must be able to return to UC Davis for 2 and 6 week recheck visits.
Owner Responsibilities
Owner will be asked to complete a questionnaire weekly for the first 6 weeks.
Financial Incentives:
Once the patient is enrolled, the study pays for the cost of the Previcox.
Patient Disease
Canine patients with Osteosarcoma
Study Name
Inhaled aerosolized gemcitabine (Gemzar)
Purpose of the Study:
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs. Surgical removal (via amputation) of the tumor followed by systemic chemotherapy is recommended to prolong life, but at least 75% of dogs will develop metastasis within 2 years despite therapy. The lung is the most common site of metastasis and leads to mortality in most cases. Systemic chemotherapy has been shown to be ineffective in treating osteosarcoma lung metastasis once they are large enough to be radiographically visible. In mouse osteosarcoma models, inhaled aerosolized gemcitabine treatment resulted in reduction in the size and number of metastatic lung nodules. We aim to determine the efficacy and toxicity of inhaled aerosolized gemcitabine in dogs with osteosarcoma pulmonary metastasis through dose escalation. Possible side effects of this treatment are unknown, but could include conjunctivitis, cough from tracheal irritation, decreased pulmonary function, low white blood cell counts or fever.
Patient Entry Criteria
Canine patients must have a disposition that allows them to wear a clear head mask for up to 20 minutes twice per week without significant stress. Dogs with a previous cytological or histological diagnosis of osteosarcoma that have developed radiographically visible pulmonary metastasis or that have declined standard chemotherapeutic options after amputation.
Owner Responsibilities
Owners are responsible for purchasing and wearing a HEPA-filter mask during all treatments to minimize their exposure to the chemotherapy.
Financial Incentives
Once the patient is enrolled, the study pays for the costs covered by the study include nebulizer, gemcitabine, hoods, rechecks, pulmonary function testing, lab testing every 2 weeks, and thoracic radiographs every month. Costs not covered by the study include any therapy pursued after the study period and the costs of treatment or hospitalization for progressive symptoms of the tumor or side effects from treatment. For more information regarding this clinical trial, please contact our Clinical Trials Coordinator at 530.752.0125.
Patient Disease
Canine patients with Osteosarcoma.
Study Name
Efficacy of one versus multiple fractions of palliative radiotherapy for long bone osteosarcoma in dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
Osteosarcoma is a common bone tumor in dogs that is locally aggressive (destroying bone and causing pain) and metastasizes early in the course of the disease. Although amputation and chemotherapy are recommended for most dogs, some with advanced disease or other medical problems cannot undergo standard therapy. Radiation has been shown to decrease bone pain and improve use of the affected limb for 3-4 months on average, but no ideal dose or dosing scheme has been defined. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a single dose of radiation may impart adequate pain control compared to traditional dosing (4 fractions, once/week). Dogs will be randomized into one of the two groups and their use of the limb will be measured before and after treatment using force plate analysis, which measures how much weight is put on each leg. Risks of treatment include rare anesthetic complications and possible mild skin changes due to radiation therapy.
Patient Entry Criteria
Canine patients with a bone tumor of a limb and a cytologic or histologic diagnosis consistent with osteosarcoma. Dogs must be healthy enough to undergo anesthesia (required for radiation treatments) must be able to bear at least minimal amount of body weight on the affected limb (necessary for force plate analysis).
Financial Incentives
Once the patient is enrolled, the study pays for the costs associated with force plate analysis. The cost of radiation treatments will be the same for both treatment groups ( a reduced fee compared to traditional palliative therapy costs). Costs not covered by the study include pre-treatment diagnostics, therapy pursued after the study period and the costs of treatment or hospitalization for progressive symptoms of the tumor or side effects from treatment. This study is not currently funded.
For more information regarding this clinical trial, please contact our Clinical Trials Coordinator at 530.752.0125.
Patient Disease
Canine Patients with Osteosarcoma, Lymphoma, or Oral Malignant Melanoma, Mast Cell Tumors, Soft Tissue Sarcomas/ Histiocytic Sarcoma/Malignant Histocytosis, Primary Pulmonary Cancer, Hemangiosarcomas
Study Name: Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium (CCOGC) A Tissue Procurement Program
Purpose of the Study
UC Davis in collaboration with Pfizer-CCOGC Biospecimen Repository is collecting samples to populate a tissue bank for future research studies. The goal of the CCOGC and UC Davis will be to populate the Pfizer-CCOGC Biospecimen Repository with diseased tissues and specific normal tissues from dogs with cancer over the next three years. The study is guided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). After receiving consent from owners, a sample of the tumor is banked following the CCOGC criteria and will be stored for future use of investigators with the ultimate goal of developing a treatment and prevention for the variety of cancers.
Patient Entry Criteria
Canine Lymphoma
Optional
Canine Osteosarcoma
Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma
Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma/Histiocytic Sarcoma/ Malignant Histiocytosis
Canine Primary Pulmonary Tumors
Canine Mast Cell Tumor
Please talk to your oncologist at the time of your visit to find out how your dog can contribute to future research studies by submitting a small sample of your dogs cancer.
Patient Disease
Canine patients with Lymphoma
Study Name
Nanoparticle Taxol for the Treatment of Dogs with relapsed lymphoma
Purpose of the Study
The UC Davis Medical School has recently constructed a nanoparticle encasing taxol. This formulation should avoid the problem of anaphylaxis associated with the administration of taxol in dogs. The nanoparticle taxol combination also allows better killing of lymphoma cells in vitro then taxol alone. As this is a Phase I trial the primary endpoint of this study will be to find a safe, pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically relevant dose. While not a primary end point in this study, efficacy will be evaluated by length of remission and response using the RECIST criteria
Eligibility Requirements
All dogs must be examined by a VMTH oncology or radiation oncology service veterinarian, and require the following baseline evaluations at the owner’s expense before a dog can be considered for enrollment in the trial:
Baseline Evaluation for Eligibility
This is a fully funded study with $1,000/per adverse event
Study Name
COTCO10: Evaluation of NHS-IL12-IL2 and NHS-IL12 fusion proteins in tumor bearing dogs (melanoma)
Status: Open for Enrollment
Sponsor: National Cancer Institute
Purpose: An open label, prospective preclinical trial of subcutaneously administered NHS-IL12-IL2 or NHS-IL12 to be conducted in tumor bearing dogs. This is a fixed schedule, dose escalation study in dogs with measurable tumors, with each agent evaluated separately. The study period will be 28 days with subsequent administration for those dogs with a measurable response after one cycle. Pharmacokinetic analysis will be conducted to measure serum drug levels over 48 hours from Day 1 and Day 2 dosing. Pharmacodynamic endpoints such as serum IFN-y/cytokine levels, T-cell subset alterations and circulating response elements of IFN-y will be used to evaluate the systemic immune response associated with agent administration. Tumor size, immune cell infiltrates and changes in tumor gene expression profiling will be used as the primary endpoints to define response. If distant lesions exist, activity at those will be monitored simultaneously.
Toxicity data and the dose-response relationship (tumoral genetic profiling and immune cell infiltration will be used to determine the optimal dose of subcutaneously delivered NHS-IL12-IL2 and NHS-IL12 to move into an expanded, fixed dose cohort of tumor bearing dogs.
Eligibility Assessments and Enrollment:
Baseline: All dogs must be examined at UC Davis Oncology department and will require the following baseline evaluations before eligibility can be assessed. These tests should be performed within three weeks of eligibility evaluation and are at cost to the owner:
Eligibility Evaluation:
Eligibility Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
This is a fully funded study for full participation.
Patient Disease
Canine patients with Cancer; Lymphoma, Mast Cell Tumor, or Hystiocytic Sarcoma
Study Name
DenamarinTM
Purpose of the Study
Dogs with cancer that will be receiving CCNU as part of their chemotherapy protocol will be asked to participate in a randomized study. CCNU is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug used to treat dogs with lymphoma, mast cell tumors, histiocytic sarcoma, and other cancers. CCNU is known to be hepatoxic and most dogs receiving the drug will experience some changes in blood liver values, although clinical signs of liver failure are rare. In some cases, these changes require treatment adjustments and, occasionally, treatment may be discontinued to avoid severe liver damage. Denamarin is a combination of two nutraceuticals, S-adenosylmethionine and Marin, both of which have proven hepatoprotective effects. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Denamarin prevents blood liver value elevations in dogs with cancer that are being treated with CCNU. Dogs will be randomized to start Denamarin treatment at the time CCNU is first prescribed.
Patient Entry Criteria
To qualify for this study, the canine patient must have a confirmed diagnosis of Lymphoma, Mast Cell Tumor or Hystiocytic Sarcoma. Patients beginning CCNU as chemotherapy with normal blood ALT levels and are not on any other anti-oxidants, are eligible for the study.
Owner Responsibilities
The owner is responsible for the cost of the initial tests and most treatment costs to insure eligibility to participate. Additionally, the client will be required to fill out a questionnaire on their pets progress once a week.
Financial Incentives
Once the patient is enrolled, the study pays for the cost of regular bloodwork to evaluate liver health at each visit and for the DenamarinTM that will be provided at no cost to the owner. For more information regarding this clinical trial, please contact our Clinical Trials Coordinator at 530.752.0125.
Patient Disease
Canine Patients with Osteosarcoma, Lymphoma, or Oral Malignant Melanoma, Mast Cell Tumors, Soft Tissue Sarcomas/ Histiocytic Sarcoma/Malignant Histocytosis, Primary Pulmonary Cancer, Hemangiosarcomas
Study Name: Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium (CCOGC) A Tissue Procurement Program
Purpose of the Study
UC Davis in collaboration with Pfizer-CCOGC Biospecimen Repository is collecting samples to populate a tissue bank for future research studies. The goal of the CCOGC and UC Davis will be to populate the Pfizer-CCOGC Biospecimen Repository with diseased tissues and specific normal tissues from dogs with cancer over the next three years. The study is guided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). After receiving consent from owners, a sample of the tumor is banked following the CCOGC criteria and will be stored for future use of investigators with the ultimate goal of developing a treatment and prevention for the variety of cancers.
Patient Entry Criteria
Canine Lymphoma
Optional
Canine Osteosarcoma
Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma
Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma/Histiocytic Sarcoma/ Malignant Histiocytosis
Canine Primary Pulmonary Tumors
Canine Mast Cell Tumor
Please talk to your oncologist at the time of your visit to find out how your dog can contribute to future research studies by submitting a small sample of your dogs cancer.
Patient Disease
LYMPHOMA
Study Name
LLP2A with Taxol
Purpose of the Study
This is a Phase I trial looking at two novel therapeutic approaches and is designed to test a new targetted therapy for lymphoma in dogs. This is an experimental therapy and the goals of the study are to find a safe and tolerable dose and document any toxicity seen with its use. We also will follow your dog's progress to see if this drug is effective in treating lymphoma. We are trying this drug in dogs with lymphoma as we believe that the particle that this drug is bound to can target these cancer cells directly.
Patient Entry Criteria
Dogs with high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and measurable disease that have failed standard therapy and/or whose owners decline standard therapy.
Owner Responsibilities
As the owner you will be responsible for travel to UC Davis Veterinarian Teaching Hospital for treatment and follow-up care.
Financial Incentives
If eligibility requirements are met and approved by your oncologist, the study pays for the entire cost of the study. Additionally, the study covers for up to $1,000 if an adverse event should occur. All treatment must be done at the UC Davis Veterinarian Teaching Hospital.
Enrollment Status
Pending
For questions regarding this clinical trial or any others listed, please call the clinical trials coordinator at: 530.752.0125
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