CSU Animal Cancer Center Clinical Trial

Patient Disease:
Canine patients with lymphoma who have not been treated.

Study Name:
Measurement of minimal residual disease (MRD) using real time PCR in canine lymphoma.

Purpose of the Study:
The majority of our canine patients with lymphoma will achieve clinical remission. However, the majority of these patients will also experience a relapse and ultimately die of their disease. The cause of this is the presence of remaining cancer cells which continue to grow and lead to a drug resistant relapse. These residual cells are not appreciated by our current methods of detection: physical examination of the lymph nodes and microscopic examination of a needle aspirate of the lymph node. In human medicine, there are more sensitive molecular techniques used to monitor treatment response. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to see if this residual disease can be detected in blood samples obtained from our canine lymphoma patients who have achieved clinical remission using molecular detection techniques.  Also, we would like to investigate whether the ability to achieve molecular remission correlates with a more favorable outcome for these patients.

Patient Entry Criteria:
Canine patients diagnosed with lymphoma and who will be receiving chemotherapy at the Animal Cancer Center are eligible. Patients may NOT have received previous chemotherapy for the treatment of their disease. Prior to treatment, a small blood sample will be drawn and a lymph aspirate will be performed. Blood samples will be collected at the time of each treatment and then every 4-6 weeks until the time when remission is lost. Participation in the study will not alter your pet’s treatment in any way. Because blood sampling is a routine part of your dogs treatment and recheck visits we do not anticipate any adverse effects associated with your dog’s participation.

Owner Responsibilities:
The owner is responsible for the initial diagnostic tests, follow up exams including blood work, and chemotherapy treatment costs.

Financial Incentives:
Special financial considerations will be given to the clients for their pet’s participation in this study. The study will cover the costs of initial lymph node PCR assays and will provide a $150 credit toward your pets continued treatment.

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