Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency (CASE)
Description:
The Stratification of Outcomes for Lymphoma in Dogs (SOLID) study is a clinical trial focused on better understanding the genetics behind canine lymphoma. By studying changes in the DNA of these cancers, researchers hope to identify patterns that could lead to more personalized treatment options. The goal is to find markers in the tumor and blood that can help predict how the cancer will behave and guide more effective treatment decisions.
Canine lymphomas are a diverse group of cancers and are among the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that stems from the lymphocytes which are a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system fight off infection. Canine lymphoma resembles non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in people. It is so similar, in fact, that veterinarians and human doctors use similar chemotherapy protocols to treat lymphoma in their patients.
Eligibility criteria:
Dogs must have:
Multicentric intermediate/large cell nodal lymphoma diagnosed on cytology
Dogs weighing ≥ 5 kg
Enlarged lymph nodes suitable for biopsy (>2 cm)
No prior treatment (including steroids)
No heart disease, which would preclude treatment with doxorubicin
No significant kidney disease
Benefits of participation:
Initial staging diagnostics: blood work, urinalysis, chest x-rays, lymph node biopsy, flow cytometry (over $5000 value!)
A portion of chemotherapy of treatment side effects related to chemotherapy (up to $6,000)
General blood work and urinalysis at study-specific time points (up to $2,300)
Monthly rechecks and bloodwork after completion of protocol - up to 1 year
What to expect:
Dogs diagnosed with multicentric nodal lymphoma and no prior treatment (including corticosteroids) may be eligible for this study. Screening includes blood work, chest x-rays, lymph node biopsy, and a fine needle aspirate. Eligible dogs will receive standard 25 week-CHOP chemotherapy under the care of an Ethos Veterinary Health Oncologist. A key part of the study involves collecting blood and tissue samples to study gene variants and biomarkers. These insights aim to improve prognosis and develop better treatment options for canine lymphoma.
Blood samples will be taken before treatment begins, and at various points during and after chemotherapy.
Only one lymph node biopsy (during initial screening) is required.
Treatment and monitoring will continue until disease progression (relapse).
After progression, dogs will be removed from the study but may continue care with their Oncologist.
Interested?
Email: [email protected]
