CSU Animal Cancer Center Clinical Trial

Patient Disease:
Feline patients with vaccine-associated sarcoma.

Study Name:
Lomustine chemotherapy for feline vaccine-associated sarcomas.

Purpose of the Study:
In this study, we will evaluate the response rate and progression free survival of cats with measurable vaccine-associated sarcoma treated only with lomustine (CCNU) chemotherapy.

Patient Entry Criteria:
In general, these studies are available to qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University. Feline patients with microscopically confirmed diagnosis of vaccine-associated sarcoma are eligible. They must have measurable primary cancer and/or cancer that has spread (known as metastatic cancer). They may have had prior treatment (surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy), as long as they have measurable disease at the time of entry into the study. Any prior treatment must have occurred at least 4 weeks prior to beginning the clinical trial. Cats may not receive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids while on the study and must undergo a 72-hour withdrawal period if on NSAIDs or corticosteroids prior to entering the study. The patient must demonstrate a normal activity level. The results of the patient's blood tests must be relatively normal and the patient must be free of other serious disease.

Owner Responsibilities:
The owner is financially responsible for all tests that determine if the patient qualifies for the study. These tests may include initial specialty examination, blood and urine tests, three chest X-rays, tumor measurements, and tumor biopsy or review of microscopic slides from previous biopsy. The owner is required to make and keep all appointments.

Financial Incentives:
Once the patient is enrolled, the study will pay for costs of recheck examinations, blood work (complete blood counts and biochemical profiles), urine specific gravity evaluations, follow-up chest X-rays, and lomustine and chemotherapy administration for the first three cycles of chemotherapy. After three cycles of lomustine chemotherapy, the study will pay for cost of the drug; however, the owner is responsible for all other costs. The study will not cover the cost of complications of the chemotherapy.

Please contact our Consultation Coordinator at (970) 297-4195 if you are interested in learning more about clinical trials.