College of Veterinary Medicine

Canine B-cell Lymphoma Clinical Trials

Phase I Dose Escalation Trial of Combination CHOP Chemotherapy in dogs with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

 

Principal Investigator

Dr. Michael Childress, Professor of Comparative Oncology

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphoma affecting dogs and humans. It is typically treated with “CHOP” chemotherapy protocols incorporating the drugs c yclophosphamide, doxorubicin ( h ydroxydaunorubicin), vincristine ( O ncovin), and p prednisone. Historically, CHOP has cured about 30-40% of humans with DLBCL, but less than 1-2% of dogs. This disparity in cure rates may be due in part to the manner in which CHOP has been given: humans with DLBCL receive all of the drugs in CHOP all on the same day, whereas dogs receive the drugs one at a time at weekly intervals. The purpose of this trial is to determine whether dogs with DLBCL can be safely treated with CHOP chemotherapy in which all 4 drugs are given on the same day. Dogs enrolled in this trial will receive combined CHOP chemotherapy once every 3 weeks up to a maximum of 5 treatments.

Eligibility for Dogs to Participate in the Study

  • Histopathologically-confirmed DLBCL, or DLBCL that is strongly suspected based upon other diagnostic testing
  • Minimum body weight 20 kg (44 lbs)
  • Adequate baseline bone marrow function
    • Neutrophils ≥2,500/ml
    • Platelets ≥75,000/ml
    • Hematocrit ≥25%
  • Adequate kidney and liver function
    • Serum creatinine concentration within reference range
    • Serum ALT ≤4X upper limit of reference range
    • Serum bilirubin concentration within reference range
  • Adequate cardiorespiratory function
    • Heart and lungs appear normal on thoracic radiographs
    • Normal electrocardiogram (ECG)
    • Boxers, Great Danes, and Doberman Pinschers must also have a normal echocardiogram
  • Dogs with previously treated DLBCL (including dogs treated with glucocorticoids) may be eligible for the trial, so long as they meet the other criteria outlined above and have not received any myelosuppressive chemotherapy for ≥14 days.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Lymphoma of a type other than DLBCL
  • Body weight <20 kg (44 lbs)
  • Severe lymphoma-related illness not encompassed by organ function requirements listed above
  • Dogs with high breed-related risk for carrying the ABCB1-1D (MDR1) mutation will be excluded unless documented to be homozygous for the wild type allele of this gene. This includes, but is not limited to the breeds listed below. These dogs are at increased risk for serious side effects of chemotherapy. For more information, see: https://prime.vetmed.wsu.edu/2021/10/19/breeds-commonly-affected-by-mdr1-mutation/
    • Collie
    • Australian shepherd
    • Shetland sheepdog

Financial Support

  • The cost of eligibility screening (including lymph node biopsy) for dogs enrolled in the trial will be capped at $500
  • The cost of each chemotherapy treatment (up to a maximum of 5) will be capped at $100
  • The cost of medical care required to treat side effects of chemotherapy will be fully covered by the study, if care is provided at the Purdue Veterinary Hospital.

Trial Status

Actively Recruiting

Questions

Please call Ms. Araynna Holland, Clinical Trials Nurse, at 765-494-1130 and leave a call back message or call 765-494-1107 and ask to speak to Dr. Michael Childress or Dr. Olivia Geels.