Oncology Clinical Trials

Urinary Bladder Cancer

1. Dogs with Transitional Cell Carcinoma
   Use of a New Chemotherapy for Treatment
• Description: This study is to determine the anti-tumor activity of vinblastine chemotherapy for treatment of TCC in dogs. Vinblastine has been used to treat other cancers in dogs for several years, but has recently been noted to help dogs with TCC. The trial is set up to determine if adding piroxicam to the vinblastine treatment will make it more effective.
• Eligibility:
• Biopsy proof of TCC
• Tumor mass in bladder or urethra measurable by ultrasound
• No or limited prior treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called "cox inhibitors" (e.g. piroxicam, Rimadyl, Previcox, Metacam, Deramaxx). Dogs cannot have received more than 2 weeks of these drugs during the previous 6 months.
• Expected survival of at least 6 weeks
• Normal liver function
• Primary investigator: Dr. Debbie Knapp
• Financial incentive: the trial will cover the drugs (vinblastine, piroxicam) and part of the medical expenses related to the cancer care during the trial
2. Dogs suspected of, or confirmed to have Transitional Cell Carcinoma
   Collection of Blood, Urine, and Tumor Tissue
• Description: This study is to learn more about Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder in order to develop effective strategies to prevent TCC or to treat it more effectively. Blood, urine and tumor tissue samples will be collected.
• Eligibility: Any dog suspected of having, or confirmed to have, TCC of the urinary bladder.
• Financial incentive: none at this time
• Primary investigator: Dr. Debbie Knapp
3. Healthy/Normal Dogs admitted to the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital
• Description: This study is to document the difference in lipid patterns from blood and urine in dogs with Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) and dogs that do not have TCC.
• Eligibility: Healthy dogs that are at least one year of age that are admitted to the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital
• Financial Incentive: none at this time
• Primary investigator: Dr. Debbie Knapp
4. Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs with bladder cancer
• Description: This is a study, in conjunction with the Ostrander Lab at NIH, of the DNA in dogs with Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) with the goal of discovering factors causing genetic predisposition for this disease.
• Eligibility: Confirmed TCC. Dogs must be over 5 years of age.
• Financial Incentive: none at this time
• Primary Investigator: Dr. Debbie Knapp

To learn more about any of the TCC studies, or to set up an appointment for your dog, please call: Ms. Patty Bonney at 765 494-1130 or 765 494-1107.

Canine Lymphoma

We are currently recruiting dogs with multicentric lymphoma for three ongoing clinical studies:

1. We are testing whether lymphoma "stem cells" can be selectively killed by combining a standard chemotherapy treatment with an investigational drug. This study is being conducted in conjunction with veterinary researchers at the University of Minnesota and the University of Pennsylvania. Significant financial support is available to owners enrolling their dogs in this study.
2. We are investigating whether lymphoma cells express proteins called folate receptor (FRs). This project is a collaborative effort with scientists at Purdue University who have developed therapies that specifically attack cancers expressing FRs. Diagnostic tests necessary to establish the presence of FRs are funded by this study. Dogs whose lymphoma expresses FRs will be candidates for FR-targeted cancer therapy, which will be provided at a reduced cost.
3. We are investigating whether incorporation of prednisone into a standard chemotherapy protocol for lymphoma affects the development of chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Previous studies have shown that prior treatment with prednisone makes lymphoma more resistant to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy will be provided at a discounted rate to dogs enrolled in this study.

**A note on prednisone: As noted above, treatment of canine lymphoma with prednisone prior to initiation of multidrug chemotherapy is associated with increased chemotherapeutic drug resistance and reduced remission and survival times. Dogs previously treated with prednisone are unfortunately ineligible for studies #1 and #3 listed above. If you are a veterinarian interested in referring a canine patient with lymphoma to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (PUVTH) for treatment, please do not prescribe prednisone for that patient.

We realize that lymphomas may progress rapidly and that prompt treatment is imperative for optimal patient care. We therefore make every effort to receive patients with a confirmed or tentative diagnosis of lymphoma as quickly as possible. Usually, appointments are available within 24-48 hours' notice.
If you are a veterinarian interested in referring a canine patient with lymphoma for treatment, or if you would like additional information about these studies, please call the PUVTH at (765) 494-1107 and ask to speak with Ms. Sarah Lahrman or Dr. Michael Childress.