Dog Disease Research at Broad Institute Broad Institute Studies http://www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog/donate.html Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) Update MCTs are cancerous proliferations of mast cells. Although they can and will spread throughout the body, the danger from MCTs comes from the secondary damage caused by the release of chemicals the tumors produce. These chemicals can cause systemic problems that include gastric ulcers, internal bleeding, and a range of allergic manifestations. We have compared the genomes of 88 Golden retrievers with MCT and 103 healthy Golden retrievers and are very excited to have identified several regions of the genome that appear to be inherited risk factors for mast cell tumors in Golden retrievers. We are now validating these results in more dogs and looking to identify the exact gene and mutation that will allow the development of genetic tests and better treatments. Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) Update Hemangiosarcomas are rapidly growing and highly invasive, blood-fed tumors. Blood vessels grow from the tumor and often cause death through excessive blood loss due to rupturing of the tumor. After comparing the genomes of ~100 healthy dogs with ~100 dogs with HSA we were able to identify several areas of the genome that were possible associated to inherited HSA risk factors. Currently, five genes found to be associated with the disease are being searched for mutations. Once the mutations have been identified and their presence in different breeds assessed, this will allow for rapid development of genetic tests for carriers of HSA. We are also working with the European LUPA project, a collaboration between 22 institutions in 11 countries, to map more than 20 traits including cancers, inflammatory diseases, cardio-vascular disease, neurological disease and other monogenic traits. For more information please see http://www.eurolupa.org/. More information about some of our projects is available at our website (www.dogdna.org). If you have specific questions, please contact us at dog-info@broad.mit.edu. Thank you again for all of your help. Best regards, The Canine Genetics Group at the Broad Institute

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SMILING BLUE SKIES ® IS FUNDING THE VERY FIRST COMPANION ANIMAL CANCER REGISTRY IN NORTH AMERICA Researchers at OVC are establishing a population-based companion animal cancer registry. The registry project will begin as a pilot project focusing on all cancers within the dog and cat population in the city of Guelph (but will be expanded over time!). Cancer registries are an integral part of human cancer research. However, for companion animals, such registries do not exist in North America. Population-based cancer registries enable epidemiologists to study the occurrence of cancer in the population and to make statements when, where and why the occurrence of cancer is more or less likely in the population. This is a huge step forward and we could not do this without your continued support.

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ROUSE MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP TO FUN COMPARATIVE CANCER RESEARCH The Ontario Veterinary College, in conjunction with the Institute for Comparative Cancer Investigation at the University of Guelph, is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Arthur Rousse Memorial Senior Fellowship in Veterinary and Comparative Cancer Studies. This endowed fellowship provides $60,000 per year salary support for up to 3 years, to a highly qualified individual interested in pursuing aspects of veterinary and comparative cancer at the postdoctoral level. The 2008 competition is particularly directed towards individuals with research training who wish to gain further experience in comparative cancer research at a veterinary institution. In conjunction with the Institute for Comparative Cancer Investigation, including the Animal Cancer Centre in the Teaching Hospital of the Ontario Veterinary College, the incumbent will partake in research to examine aspects of companion animal cancer such as diagnostic procedures, therapeutic approaches, and cancer pathobiology. Qualified individuals who hold the DVM/DMV/VMD/ and have completed a PhD/DVSc and/or an oncology or related residency (e.g., anatomic or clinical pathology, pharmacology, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiation oncology), with a strong interest in veterinary research are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals should provide a detailed statement of research interests and career goals, Curriculum Vitae highlighting the details of clinical training and research accomplishments, and the names and contact information of three referees. Applications should be sent to: Office of the Dean, Ontario Veterinary College Attention Dr. R. Jacobs University of Guelph Guelph ON Canada N1G 2W1 Application Deadline: March 28, 2008, with an expected start date of September 2008

From the GRCA Health & Genetics Committee One of the research studies that GRCA and the Golden Retriever Foundation support is in urgent need of blood samples from any registered Golden Retriever that has (at any time in its life) been definitely diagnosed with a mast cell tumor. The diagnosis must have been confirmed with a pathology report, and the dog must not have had any other malignancy. Confidentiality will be maintained. Owners can contact Dr. Cheryl London at London.20@osu.edu (preferred) or via phone 614-292-9554. Please feel free to contact the GRCA Research Facilitator, Rhonda Hovan, with any questions at London.20@osu.edu or 330-668-0044.

Notice from the GRCA Health & Genetics Committee

The Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting cases for a funded research project, which is investigating the potential role of selected flea- and tick-borne bacteria as co-factors in the development of lymphoma in Golden Retrievers. This two-year study is being funded exclusively by the Golden Retriever Foundation and the Canine Health Foundation.

The 1998 Golden Retriever Health Survey showed a statistically significant decrease in lymphoma among Golden Retrievers that had been treated with flea and tick prevention products. This research project will examine one mechanism by which these data might be explained - that infection with Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and/or Anaplasma species bacteria may predispose susceptible dogs to develop lymphoma.

The purpose of this study is to search for evidence of Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and/or Anaplasma infection in Golden Retriever dogs with lymphoma, as compared to age- and sex-matched Golden Retrievers from the same geographic region. Obtaining identical samples from healthy control dogs will be critical to the scientific evaluation of data obtained from Golden Retrievers with lymphoma.

Click here to continue reading this article, and download required documents

URGENT Blood samples are needed from registered  Golden Retrievers diagnosed with a mast cell tumor.

The 4th Genes Dogs and Cancer Conference, was held on September 14th to the 17th, 2006 at the Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro, in Chicago Illinois.

Conference Coordinators
Timothy Fan, Kevin Hahn, Chand Khanna, Jaime F. Modiano, and Elaine Ostrander

Sponsored by Jeffrey Pepper, the French Bulldog Club of America, Morris Animal Foundation,
the National Beagle Club, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the Soft Coated Wheaten
Terrier Club of America Endowment Fund and the Starlight Fund

This conference brought together researchers, veterinarians and breeders from around the
world to discuss advances in canine cancer research. Join us to hear presentations on the
following four topics:

Host and Microenvironment: Genetics and Host Interactions
Cancer Pathogenesis and Progression: Metastasis, Angiogenesis and Cytogenetics
Discovery and Delivery: Cancer Care, Diagnostics, Imaging, Therapy and Monitoring
Program Updates: Clinical Trials, Consortia, Regulatory Agencies

Keynote speaker Dr. Janet Rowley and Distinguished Speakers Drs. Elaine Ostrander, Tom
Rosol and Chand Khanna presented their research on topics such as the molecular origins of
cancer, inherited cancers, metastasis and comparative oncology translation and biology.

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DOGS ARE KEY TO REVOLUTIONARY CANCER STUDY

CANINE CANCER PATIENTS HELP ADVANCE RESEARCH ON PROMISING VACCINE

JOHN BERMAN
Dec. 3, 2007—

Kyra looks like any other energetic Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, but she's also a cancer survivor -- and a reason for hope.

Two years ago, the 10-year-old canine's owner, Eileen Eisenhower, noticed an eerily familiar lump on Kyra's leg. Eileen is a nurse who treats human cancer patients.

"I said, 'Oh, Kyra, you have lymphoma," Eisenhower recalled lamenting. "I just knew it."

But Eisenhower converted her pain into promise, enrolling Kyra in a revolutionary vaccine study at the University of Pennsylvania, which had an unlikely collaboration between canine veterinarians and human oncologists.

Four million dogs are diagnosed with cancer every year -- cancers very similar to the human versions.

"Down to the microscope, they look very similar and they behave similarly," Dr. Robert Vonderheide at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania said.

And this translates into the most promising aspect of this study: "They also respond to treatment very similarly," Vonderheide points out.

One of the greatest advantages to studying dogs is they age faster -- literally, in "dog years," so scientists can get the results of their studies more quickly.

"It's like a compressed biological life span that we can study -- the cancer progression -- and also potentially the response to therapy," said Dr. Karin Sorenmo, associate professor of oncology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

In the study involving Kyra, doctors took genetic material from a cancerous tumor, implanted it in healthy infection-fighting b-cells outside the body to train them to attack the lymphoma, and then injected it back into Kyra.

Sorenmo was encouraged by the results. "I'm hoping that this is just the beginning of more trials that can benefit helping dogs, helping people."

Kyra is back to her hyperenergetic and healthy self. She and a number of the dogs in the study are now cancer-free. The researchers estimate they are within two years of testing the vaccine on humans.

Without the dogs, they would be more than a decade away.

"If we didn't have this information that we're learning from vaccinating people's pets, we would still be studying the vaccine in laboratory dishes without a real hope of going forward in the near future," Vondreheide said.

The researchers' optimism resonates on multiple levels for Eisenhower, as a grateful dog owner and dedicated cancer nurse.

"I hope that someday I can give this vaccine to people and to kids -- and to, you know, let people know how it started and where it came from," Eisenhower said.

She can tell them it came from man's best friend.

Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures

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CONTACT INFORMATION


Dr. Robert Vonderheide, MD, D. Phil.
Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Cancer Biology Programme and the Gene Therapy and Vaccines Programme
University of Pensylvania School of Medicine
His office telephone number is 215-573-4265 and his email addres is rhv@mail.med.upenn.edu


Dr. Vonderheide graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering in 1985 and from Oxford University, England , as a Rhodes Scholar with a D.Phil. in immunology in 1989. After graduating from Harvard Medical School in 1993, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital and subsequently a clinical fellowship in hematology-oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He joined the University of Pennsylvania in 2001 as assistant professor in medicine and an investigator at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute. He is funded by the NIH, the Beckman Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy.

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Research Area: Infectious Disease

Breed: Golden Retriever

The Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting cases for a funded research project, which is investigating the potential role of selected flea- and tick-borne bacteria as co-factors in the development of lymphoma in Golden Retrievers. The 1998 Golden Retriever Health Survey showed a statistically significant decrease in lymphoma among Golden Retrievers that had been treated with flea and tick prevention products. This research project will examine one mechanism by which these data might be explained - that infection with Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and/or Anaplasma species bacteria may predispose susceptible dogs to develop lymphoma.

The purpose of this study is to search for evidence of Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and/or Anaplasma infection in Golden Retriever dogs with lymphoma, as compared to age- and sex-matched Golden Retrievers from the same geographic region. Obtaining identical samples from healthy control dogs will be critical to the scientific evaluation of data
obtained from Golden Retrievers with lymphoma. Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt
is the principal investigator and Ashlee Duncan is the graduate
student responsible for the project. The entry criteria for a case
include: Golden Retrievers with a new diagnosis of lymphoma that have not received any antibiotics within 14 days prior to sample collection (or 30 days for azithromycin). Samples should be collected prior to induction of chemotherapeutic agents.

The minimum entry criteria for a control include: Golden Retrievers residing within 100 miles of the case dog and lacking clinical evidence of lymphadenopathy, making the possibility of undetected lymphoma unlikely. Additionally, these control dogs must not have received any antibiotics within 14 days prior to sample collection (or 30 days for azithromycin). For each case, two to three control dogs will be utilized. If possible, these healthy dogs should be similar in age (± 18 months) and sex as the case dog. Healthy dogs may be identified by the owner of the case dog, selected by the case's attending veterinarian, or recruited through the Golden
Retriever Club of America. Cases and controls recruited will
receive free serological and molecular testing for Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma (a $360.00 value based on current serology/ PCR testing costs in our laboratory). Samples to be collected for this research include whole blood, serum, lymph node aspirate(s), and buccal swab(s).

Please contact us at 919-513-8279 or awduncan@ncsu.edu for further information.

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 Research Area: Canine Cancer

Breeds: Akita, American Cocker Spaniel, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Greyhound, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, Mastiff, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Pointer, Pug, Rottweiler, Scottish Terrier, Standard Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, Toy Poodle

After completing the dog genome sequencing project, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and collaborators are now working on identifying disease genes predisposing to cancer. Identification of such genes could lead to carrier testing, a better understanding of the disease and long term better treatments for the disease in both dogs and humans.

More information can be found at: www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog http://www.broad.mit.edu/mammals/dog.

For each of the below diseases researchers need blood samples from affected dogs as well as blood samples from healthy older (>6 yo) dogs.

Mammary tumors

PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh Broad and Elizabeth McNiel, U. Minnesota
Focus: English Springer Spaniel
Additional breeds included: German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels and Boxers
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

Melanoma

PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh Broad and Phil Bergman, Animal Medical Center, NY Breeds included: ALL including Scottish Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Black Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Pugs
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

Lymphoma

PI: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Broad
Focus: Golden Retrievers, Boxers
Additional breeds included: Cocker Spaniel, Rottweiler, Akita, Flat- Coated Retriever
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

Mast cell tumors

Collaborators: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Broad and Cheryl London, UC Davis
Focus: Pugs and Chinese Shar-Pei
Additional breeds included: Pit Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Boxer
Please contact: Dog-info@broad.mit.edu

 Researchers at the AMC Cancer Research Center and University of Colorado Health Science Center are looking for samples for the following projects:

Lymphoma

Researchers need samples from any dog that has an AKC registration number.

Eligible dogs will undergo standard of care treatment and provide blood samples as well. Availability of 2 or more unaffected relatives that are >6 years old is desirable. They also would encourage people who have dogs that are related to study subjects that are affected to participate.

Owners of all dogs will be asked to fill out a follow-up questionnaire.

Hemangiosarcoma

Researchers need blood samples from affected dogs for a study to map susceptibility genes. In some cases, samples may be applied to the development of a diagnostic test for hemangiosarcoma. Eligible dogs must have an AKC registration number. Owners of all dogs will be asked to fill out a follow-up questionnaire.

Visit www.modianolab.org http://www.modianolab.org for additional information on these programs.

Thank you for your attention.

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INNOVATIVE SCREENING & TREATMENT PROGRAMME AVAILABLE FOR CANINE LYMPHOMA CANCER Important Breakthrough in the Treatment of One of the Biggest Cancer Killers in Dogs is a British First October 23, 2006, Nottingham, England ----PR Newswire ---- AN EFFECTIVE and innovative screening, detection and treatment programme for canine lymphoma, one of the most prolific cancers in dogs has been announced by PetScreen, a pioneering British bioscience company. It is the first of its kind to be made commercially available from PetScreen’s Veterinary Cancer Programme, which was launched in the United States in January and in the UK in April at leading veterinary conference and congress events. The lymphoma screen comes after extensive research by PetScreen in both British and North American markets into canine cancer, and will be available through selected veterinary hospitals and primary practices in both markets. The screen itself is based on technology which has emerged post the sequencing of both the human and canine genome and enables malignancies to be detected earlier, when treatment has the best chance of success. Inexpensive, convenient and minimally invasive the screen relies on a small blood serum sample. PetScreen has developed advanced ‘proteomic’ technology uniquely for companion animals, specifically canine at this moment. Their system looks for characteristic patterns to detect lymphoma biomarkers from the blood ‘fingerprint’. Ideally, a mature puppy would be sampled at twelve months, thereafter yearly, but in high risk breeds a six monthly screen is recommended. In addition, any dog which may have been treated for lymphoma should be screened bi-annually for recurrence. UK published evidence says that 25% of all cancers in dogs is attributed to lymphoma. High risk breeds in both the UK and US for lymphoma cancer include golden and flat-coated retrievers, german shepherds, bull mastiffs and certain breeds of spaniels, including English and Irish water spaniels. At risk breeds include boxers, Bernese mountain dogs and rottweilers. Whilst this list is by no means exhaustive the screen should be regarded as part of an overall wellness programme for all breeds. If cancer is detected, a combined rapid histopathology and individualised chemotherapy programme is available which helps select the most effective treatment for each individual patient. PetScreen’s Directed Chemotherapy Assay (DCA) highlights resistance from the start and identifies the treatment most likely to be effective from the start. PetScreen is one of a new generation of companies to utilise technologies which are emerging as a result of genome research. Using advanced bio-marker technology linked to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, robotics and unique neural software, the serum sample creates the fingerprint which patterns proteins in the blood and enables cancers to be identified. The problems associated with the late detection of cancers are well understood, and whilst proteomic screening is still at an early stage in humans, the work that PetScreen are undertaking in the canine world could have a significant impact on human cancer screening in the very near future. www.pet-screen.com:  PetScreen: Detecting and Treating Cancer BioCity Pennyfoot Street Nottingham NG1 1GF United Kingdom Professor Graeme Radcliffe Chairman PetScreen Limited BioCity Nottingham Pennyfoot Street Nottingham NG1 1GF UK graeme.radcliffe@btconnect.com www.pet-screen.com tel: 08000 284 811 (Free - UK Only) fax: 0115 912 4431 mobile: +44 (0)115 912 4430 +44 (0)115 912 4431 07785 238427

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Auburn to Study Treatment for Lymphoma in Dogs

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/dec06/061201i.asp

Auburn University has received $1.4 million from the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health to study a new therapy for lymphoma in dogs.

Researchers plan to modify a nonreplicating virus, administer the virus to dogs with lymphoma, and administer a drug to the dogs. The virus will infect lymphoma cells and then encode a protein to convert the drug into a toxin to kill the cells.

Lymphoma is the third most common cancer in dogs. Average life expectancy for dogs undergoing chemotherapy is about one year.
Without any treatment, life expectancy is about two months from the time of diagnosis.

The grant from the National Cancer Institute covers two years of laboratory work and three years of clinical trials.

Dr. Bruce Smith, with the College of Veterinary Medicine's Scott- Ritchey Research Center, is leading the study. Auburn co- investigators include Drs. Curtis Bird, Mary Lynn Higginbotham, Annette Smith, and Elizabeth Whitley.

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The Golden Retriever Club of America is pleased to announce that Golden Retrievers will be one of the pilot breeds currently eligible for participation in a new DNA database. The mapping of the canine genome is expected to have a significant impact on research activities regarding canine genetic disease, and thus there is growing interest among breed clubs and breeders to establish a DNA bank to facilitate research and future disease testing on individual dogs. In response to this evolving need, CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) and OFA have established a DNA bank and database designed to serve both breeders and researchers.

 

This DNA database will serve the canine research community by providing researchers with optimized family groups needed for specific research studies, and will facilitate more rapid progress in research by expediting the sample collection process. It will also allow breeders to take advantage of future DNA-based disease tests as they become available, with the ability to test both current breeding dogs, and important dogs of the past whose DNA is stored in the bank. Researchers funded by such organizations as the Canine Health Foundation and Morris Animal Foundation can apply to use this DNA for specific studies; and owners will have access to their dog's DNA for DNA-based disease testing.

 

DNA databases are most useful when the DNA is linked to both a health history (including but not limited to phenotypic health "clearances"), and to a pedigree. This provides researchers with the ability to select the samples that are of interest to particular studies, by searching the database for dogs that meet specific eligibility criteria. However, all individual dogs, pedigrees, and owners will be coded for anonymity, which can be waived only by the owner. Privacy will be carefully protected according to the instructions of the owner. The owner will also be provided with an individual access code which will permit him or her to update the health history over the lifetime of the dog, since many health conditions of interest may not have developed at the time the dog was entered into the database.

 

DNA can be collected through either a blood sample, or by using buccal (cheek) swabs. Blood samples provide an almost unlimited supply of DNA, while buccal swabs provide adequate DNA for a number of health studies and testing, although significantly less than blood samples.

 

Double the Benefit!

 

In addition to collecting blood samples at the National for future research to be stored in the DNA bank, a current study supported by the Golden Retriever Foundation and GRCA will also be collecting blood samples at the National Specialty. This important research is being conducted at the Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is attempting to identify genes involved in osteosarcoma and other cancers in Goldens. In a cooperative effort to double the usefulness of each sample, dogs may contribute to both programs with only one blood sample, which will be shared (with the owner's permission) between the DNA bank and the Broad Institute's canine genomic research team.

 

As part of GRCA's participation as a pilot breed, CHIC/OFA will send a representative to the 2005 National Specialty to assist with enrolling as many Goldens as possible into the database. There will be volunteers on site to draw blood or assist with buccal swab collections, and computer capability to process the dog into the database. There will be no charge to enroll a dog in the DNA database at the National Specialty! In addition, for the first 12 months, there will be no charge to enroll dogs using buccal swabs providing the dog has a CHIC certificate (see http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/ )

 

Your participation in this important database will assist health research for decades to come, and we urge everyone to enroll as many dogs as possible in both of these programs. Please come to the collection center on the grounds of the National Specialty on Wednesday or Thursday, September 28 or 29, and show your support for a healthier future for Golden Retrievers. Owners not attending the National are also strongly encouraged to participate in the DNA bank, with enrollment information available on the GRCA website at www.grca.org (link coming soon) or by writing to edziuk@offa.org Costs are $10 using buccal swabs (free for CHIC dogs until Sept, 2006), and $25 using blood samples.

 

Please Spread the Word!

Patient Disease:  Canine Patients with Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Study Name:  Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma Vaccine Study

Purpose of the Study:  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness, and to establish the most appropriate dose of a vaccine intended to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels in tumours.  The vaccine is prepared using the DNA from human blood vessel growth factors.  Using this specially prepared vaccine, we hope to stimulate a canine patient's immune system to make antibodies against newly forming blood vessels in a tumour.

Patient Entry Criteria:  In general, these studies are available to qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centre at Colorado State University.  The patient must have the disease of soft tissue sarcoma,  which has been confirmed by biopsy.  The soft tissue sarcoma must be  measurable and accessible to biopsy.  The disease may not have spread to any other area of the body.  In order to qualify for this study, treatment prior to presentation to the Animal Cancer Centre must have been very limited.  The patient is not to have received radiation therapy, any chemotherapy, or any holistic medical treatment for soft tissue sarcoma prior to entry into the study. The patient must not have received steroids or NSAIDs for four weeks before presentation.  No other medical conditions may be present that might limit the patient's life.  No additional medication may be given once the patient is enrolled in the study.  For more information regarding entry criteria, please contact the Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

Owner Responsibilities:  After the initial diagnostic visit, the client is required to bring the patient
to regularly scheduled visits for treatment and evaluation for up to a year.  The client must allow a total of three biopsies to be taken (one pre-treatment and two during treatment) to assess the patient's response to the vaccine.  These biopsy procedures require the patient to be profoundly sedated or anesthetized.  No additional medication may be given once the patient is enrolled in the study.  Procedures or treatments unrelated to the study will be the owner's financial responsibility.

Financial Incentives:  The owner pays for the initial diagnostic work up, usually $300 to $400.  The study pays for all treatment procedures and for all evaluation  recheck visits for a period of one year. For more information regarding financial incentives, please contact the Consult Coordinator at
970-297-4195.

Oral Antimitotic Agent for Dogs with Lymphoma

Animal Cancer Institute Studies Since its inception the Animal Cancer Institute and its Network of veterinary oncologists have offered cutting edge treatment options. The Animal Cancer Institute Network is based in Washington, DC and extends across the United States with sites in California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington . It is the goal of the Animal Cancer Institute to provide more effective and less toxic options for the treatment of cancer. Collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry allows these options to be provided, in many cases, at substantially reduced costs. For more information on the therapeutic diet clinical study for cats with lymphoma, and the Animal Cancer Institute, visit our website at:www.animalcancerinstitute.com.	The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC Cutting edge options for cancer C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM T. Rusk DVM   For more information, contact Jennifer Turner: Phone: 202-363-7300 Fax: 202-363-7126 Email:jturner@animalcancerinstitute.com
	You may register your clinic to receive electronic updates on trials available to your clients. Registration for eTrial Updates is available at our website,www.animalcancerinstitute.com.
Oral Antimitotic Agent for Dogs with Lymphoma
Eligibility Criteria Include:
measurable, cytologically diagnosed NH lymphoma (histology collected at study entry) any clinical stage but must have nodal involvement- includes relapsed cases favorable performance score no concurrent chemotherapy (within 14 days of trial entry) no concurrent radiation therapy (within 21 days of trial entry) concurrent use of corticosteroids accepted providing treatment duration is greater than 21 days and/or no clinical improvement is noted. Measurable disease defined by examination, radiographs, ultra-sound, CT or MRI scan Trial Design: Diagnostic and staging tests may be performed at any veterinary hospital within 10 days of initiation of study: Serum biochemistry CBC Urinalysis Thoracic and abdominal radiographs Patients will be treated at a participating Animal Cancer Institute Network clinic. Lymph node biopsies will be required at entry, Day 7, first objective response and at progression or relapse. Trial Support/Funding Includes: Laboratory, biopsy and professional fees (as required for the study) from time of enrollment through Day 56 (additional monthly exams beyond Day 56 will be owner?s financial responsibility) Oral Antimitotic agent through Day 56 (beyond Day 56, additional monthly shipments of study drug supply will be billed to the clinic/investigator at a rate of $50 per shipment) Dogs will receive the oral medication over a 4-week initial phase. Continued therapy will be available pending response to therapy. Long-term follow-up recheck examinations will be performed monthly.

__________________________________________________________

Antiangiogenic Therapy for Dogs with Measurable Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Animal Cancer Institute Studies Since its inception the Animal Cancer Institute and its Network of veterinary oncologists have offered cutting edge treatment options. The Animal Cancer Institute Network is based in Washington, DC and extends across the United States with sites in California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington .	The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC Cutting edge options for cancer C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM T. Rusk DVM   Study Monitor? Kate Cadorette Phone: 202-363-7300 Fax: 202-363-7126 Email:kcadorette@animalcancerinstitute.com
Trial eligibility criteria include: client owned pet dogs measurable, histologically confirmed soft tissue sarcomas, not including hemangiosarcomas tumors must be accessible for histopath collection and objective measurement using direct caliper measurement, ultrasound, radiographs or CT/MRI scan. favorable clinical performance status at entry (expected to remain clinically stable for 30 days). no previous exposure to antiangiogenic therapies no chemotherapy within 14 days of trial entry no radiation therapy administered within 21 days of trial entry corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents ok to continue if patient has been receiving for >14 days at time of study entry
Trial Support/Funding Includes: Antiangiogenic peptide provided at no charge Biopsy (as required at trial initiation, date of first objective response and date of relapse) MRI at study entry, and every 3 months through Day 180 for selected patients All patients must be evaluated and treated through a participating Animal Cancer Institute Network site, monthly. Diagnostic and staging tests may be performed at any veterinary hospital within 10 days of initiation (full serum chemistry, CBC, U/A and thoracic radiographs). Dogs will receive a supply of medication for in-home, daily subcutaneous injection or will be treated at a representative clinic every 14 days with a depot injection. Continued therapy will be available pending response to therapy. All examination, tumor imaging and other diagnostic costs are patient?s responsibility. Cases which relapse or are refractory following >30 days on antiangiogenic therapy will be eligible to receive open label gemcitabine therapy. Gemcitabine will be provided at no charge - all other costs associated with drug examination and drug administration will be owner responsibility. Assessment of response will be made following the first cycle of therapy and consideration for a 2nd cycle will be made based on patient response.

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Participants Needed for Genetics Study of Canine Osteosarcoma

The Animal Cancer Institute in cooperation with the AMC Cancer Research Center is looking for assistance in a canine cancer research study. The project involves collection of histopathology samples on purebred dogs with osteosarcoma. The purpose of the analysis is to determine how genes impact the development of osteosarcoma in dogs.

Study eligibility criteria include: Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Scottish Deerhounds and Mastiffs with known pedigrees can participate in this study. Other breeds may be eligible upon approval by the Animal Cancer Institute. Dogs must have a diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma (Grades I-II), with no evidence of metastatic disease. There must be at least two unaffected first-degree relatives of the affected dog (parents, siblings, or offspring) that will consent to participation through the donation of 10-15 ml of EDTA-anticoagulated blood (samples from unaffected relatives are not required at the time of diagnosis or sample submission from the affected patient). Informed owner consent form authorizing pre-treatment excisional biopsy (to be collected in a medium supplied by the AMC), and commitment for treatment with an acceptable protocol (e.g. amputation or limb-sparing surgery and systemic chemotherapy with Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Adriamycin, or a combination thereof). Trial Support/Funding Includes: $150 stipend toward cost of biopsy Histopathology and shipping of samples (an approximate value of $130) will be performed at no charge by the AMC Cancer Research Center . For more information please contact Jen Turner at the Animal Cancer Institute (202) 363-7300 or see our website at: www.animalcancerinstitute.com

__________________________________________________________

Patient Disease:  Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma

Study Name:  Melanoma Vaccine Study

Purpose of the Study:  The purpose of this study is to determine if stimulating a patient's immune system in a very specific way will prolong survival times in dogs with oral melanoma.  Also, to determine if this specific immune system stimulation will inhibit new blood vessel formation in the tumour environment.

Patient Entry Criteria:  In general, these studies are available to qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centre at Colorado State University.  The patient must have the disease of oral melanoma which has been confirmed by biopsy.  The disease may have spread to area lymphnodes, but must not have spread to the lungs.  The
oral melanoma tumour masses must be accessible for therapeutic injection and surgical removal.  No other medical conditions may be present that might limit the patient's life.  The patient is not allowed to have received radiation therapy or any chemotherapy prior to presentation.  No additional medication may be given once the patient is enrolled into the study.  For more information regarding entry criteria, please contact the Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

Owner Responsibilities:  The client must allow a biopsy to be performed prior to admission into the study to confirm the diagnosis of oral melanoma.  After the initial diagnostic  visit, the client is required to bring the patient to regularly scheduled visits for treatment and rechecks (on two occasions, visits will be four days apart) for up to a year after treatment.  At each visit of the treatment phase, the patient may receive sedatives or general anesthesia to facilitate therapy.  No additional medication may be given once the patient is enrolled into the study.

Financial Incentives:  The owner pays for the initial diagnostic work up.  The study pays for all  treatment visits and for any adverse events that may occur as a direct result of the treatment injections.  Additionally, the study will pay $750 toward the cost of surgical removal of the tumour.  It is required that the tumour be surgically removed during the course of therapy.  For more information regarding financial incentives, please contact the Consult Coordinator at
970-297-4195.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to determine if stimulating a patient's immune system in a very specific way will prolong survival times in dogs with oral melanoma. Also, to determine if this specific immune system stimulation will inhibit new blood vessel formation in the tumour environment.

_______________________________________________________________

Patient Disease:  Canine Cancer Patients

Study Name:  Chemotherapy and Its Effect on Adaptive Immunity

Purpose of the Study:  The purpose of this study is to evaluate how the immune system is affected by chemotherapeutic agents.

Patient Entry Criteria:  In general, these studies are available to qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centre at Colorado State University.  Eligible patients are canine cancer patients beginning specific chemotherapy protocols.  The patient must be prescribed to begin one of the following chemotherapy protocols:  Adriamycin alone;  Madison-Wisconsin  multi-drug protocol;  or specific  protocols  involving carboplatin, or cisplatin.  Patients  may  not  have
received chemotherapy or steroids within two weeks of starting this study. Additionally, patients may not have concurrent disease that might  prevent them from completing the study.

Owner Responsibilities:  This study pays only the cost of blood tests related to the study.  The client is responsible for all costs related to the treatment of the patient's cancer, and for all costs related to complications that might arise as a result of treatment of the patient's cancer.  All blood samples related to the study must be collected at the Animal Cancer Centre.

Financial Incentives:  This study pays the cost of blood tests related to the study.  For more  information regarding financial incentives, please contact the Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

__________________________________________________________

Patient Disease:  Canine patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

Study Name:  Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma Vaccine Study

Purpose of the study:  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness, and to establish the most appropriate dose of a vaccine intended to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels in tumours. The vaccine is prepared using the DNA from human blood vessel growth factors. Using this specially prepared vaccine, we hope to stimulate a canine patient's immune system to make antibodies against newly forming blood vessels in a tumor.

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. The patient must have the disease of soft tissue sarcoma, which has been confirmed by biopsy. The soft tissue sarcoma must be measurable and accessible to biopsy. The disease may not have spread to any other area of the body. In order to qualify for this study, treatment prior to presentation to the Animal Cancer Centre must have been very limited. The patient is not to have received radiation therapy, any chemotherapy, or any holistic medical treatment for soft tissue sarcoma prior to entry into the study. The patient must not have received steroids (like prednisone) or NSAIDs (like carprofen) for four weeks before presentation. No other medical conditions may be present  that might limit the patient's life. And no additional medication may be given once the patient is enrolled into the study. For more information regarding entry criteria, please contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

Owner Responsibilities:  After the initial diagnostic visit, the client is required to bring the patient to  regularly scheduled visits for treatment and evaluation for up to a year. The client must allow a total of three biopsies to be taken (one pre-treatment and two during treatment) to assess the patientís response to the vaccine. These biopsy procedures require the patient to be profoundly sedated or anesthetized. No additional medication may be given once the patient is enrolled into the study. Procedures or treatments unrelated to the study will be the owner's financial responsibility.

Financial Incentives:  The owner pays for the initial diagnostic work up, usually $300 to $400. The  study pays for all treatment procedures and for all evaluation recheck visits for a period of one year. For more information regarding financial incentives, please contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

________________________________________________________

Patient Disease:  Canine patients with melanoma, hemangiosarcoma, or
osteosarcoma

Study Name:  Interferon Tau Study

Purpose of the study:  The purpose of this study is to collect tolerability (toxicity), immune response  and preliminary effectiveness information for the administration of Interferon Tau in canine cancer patients. The information generated by this study will then be used to design a larger study comparing standard-of-care therapy to standard-of-care therapy plus Interferon Tau.

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. Eligible patients are canine cancer patients with melanoma, hemangiosarcoma, or osteosarcoma. When the patient has exhausted all standard-of-care therapy options, or the client declines standard-of-care therapy, the client will be offered entry into this study. Dogs which stage positive for metastasis are considered eligible. Once entered into the trial, an owner may elect, at any time, to discontinue with the trial and seek other treatment.

Owner Responsibilities:  The client is responsible for all costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of the patientís cancer, and for all costs related to complications that might arise  as a result of treatment of the patientís cancer. All evaluations and blood samples related to the study must be collected at the Animal Cancer Center. All patients will be evaluated two weeks following the initiation of therapy and then at monthly intervals.

Financial Incentives:  This study pays only the cost of Interferon Tau. For more information regarding financial incentives, please contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

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Patient Disease:  Canine Hemangiosarcoma of the Spleen

Study Name:  Hemangiosarcoma Metronomic Chemotherapy Study

Purpose of the study:  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of metronomic chemotherapy for the treatment of canine splenic hemangiosarcoma. Metronomic chemotherapy is a method of delivering chemotherapeutic agents at lower doses, but administering the doses more often. This study is designed as a randomized clinical trial. There are two treatment groups. One  group receives doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) chemotherapy every two weeks for five treatments. The other group receives metronomic chemotherapy using etoposide, cyclophosphamide, and piroxicam.

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. The patient must have the disease of hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, which has been confirmed by biopsy and histopathology. The spleen must be surgically removed and the disease may not have spread to any other area of the body. In order to qualify for this study, the patient is not to have received radiation therapy,
any chemotherapy, or any holistic medical treatment for splenic hemangiosarcoma prior to entry into the study. The patient must not have received steroids (like prednisone) for three weeks prior to presentation. No other medical conditions may be present that might prevent the patient from completing the study. And no additional medication related to the disease may be given once the patient is enrolled into the study. For more information regarding entry criteria, please contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

 Owner Responsibilities:
 This study requires frequents visits to the Animal Cancer Center. The client must schedule and keep all appointments related to the study. Should the owner decide to withdraw from the study, the owner assumes responsibility for all costs incurred.

Financial Incentives:  The owner pays for the initial diagnosis and surgical treatment of the disease. Additionally, the owner is responsible for the cost of the staging tests used to determine if the patient meets the eligibility requirements of the study (usually about $600). Once eligible, the study pays for all study-related examinations, tests, and chemotherapy treatments for up to one year. For more information regarding financial incentives, please contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

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Patient Disease:  Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Study Name:  Soft Tissue Sarcoma Heat and Radiation Perfusion Study

Purpose of the study:  Localized hyperthermia (heat) combined with radiation has been shown to be an effective treatment to control soft tissue sarcoma. The purpose of this study is to discover the mechanism of how localized hyperthermia enhances the effects of radiation therapy.

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. The patient must have the disease of soft tissue sarcoma, which has been confirmed by biopsy and histopathology. No other medical conditions may be present that might prevent the patient from completing this six-week study. For more information regarding entry criteria, please contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

Owner Responsibilities:  This study requires six weeks of frequents visits to the Animal CancerCentre. The patient will receive daily treatments (M-F) for five weeks of the six-week protocol. The client must schedule and keep all appointments related to the study. Should the owner  decide to withdraw  from the study, the owner may be held  responsible for all costs
incurred.

Financial Incentives:  The owner pays an initial $250. The study pays all remaining costs associated with initial diagnostics, hyperthermia treatment, radiation therapy, and all costs associated with complications resulting from treatment. Costs associated with tumor recurrence, metastasis, routine health maintenance, or any treatment beyond hyperthermia and radiation intended for tumor control are the responsibility of the owner. For more information regarding financial incentives, please contact our Consult Coordinator at 970-297-4195.

                                                                           _______________________________________________________________

Patient Disease:  Canine Osteosarcoma of a Limb

Study Name:  Osteosarcoma and Meloxicam Study

Purpose of the study:  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefits of the drug meloxicam inthe postoperative pain management of canine patients with osteosarcoma.

Patient Entry Criteria:  In general, these studies are available to qualifying patients living within 100 miles of the Animal Cancer Centere at Colorado Sate University. Eligible patients are dogs with histologically confirmed osteosarcoma of an extremity. The patientís treatment plan must include amputation of the effected limb followed by doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) chemotherapy. Diagnostic evaluation must indicate no spread of cancer in the patient. Additionally, the patient must have no pre-existing heart condition that would make doxorubicin an inappropriate choice for treatment. Patients may not have concurrent disease that might prevent them from completing the study.

Owner Responsibilities:  This study pays only the cost of meloxicam. The client is responsible for all costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of the patientís cancer, and for all costs related to complications that might arise as a result of treatment of the patient's cancer.

Financial Incentives:  This study pays only the cost of meloxicam.

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Participants Needed for Genetics Study of Canine Osteosarcoma

Animal Cancer Institute Trials
Since its inception the Animal Cancer Institute and its Network of veterinary oncologists have offered cutting edge treatment options to the metropolitan D.C. area. In the last six months the Animal Cancer Institute Network has expanded across the United States, with newly active treatment sites in New York, Florida, Texas, and California.

It is the goal of the Animal Cancer Institute to provide more effective and less toxic options for the treatment of cancer. Collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry allows these options to be provided, in many cases at no cost. For more information on the Animal Cancer Institute, visit our website at: www.animalcancerinstitute.com. 
The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC
Cutting edge options for cancer
C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM
T. Rusk DVM

For more information contact Jennifer Turner
Phone: 202-363-7300
Fax: 202-363-7126
Email: jturner@animalcancerinstitute.com   

You may register your clinic to receive electronic updates on trials available to your clients. Registration for eTrial Updates is available at our website, www.animalcancerinstitute.com.

The Animal Cancer Institute in cooperation with the AMC Cancer Research Center is looking for assistance in a canine cancer research study. The project involves collection of histopathology samples on purebred dogs with osteosarcoma. The purpose of the analysis is to determine how genes impact the development of osteosarcoma in dogs.

Study eligibility criteria include:
• Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Scottish Deerhounds and Mastiffs with known pedigrees can participate in this study. Other breeds may be eligible upon approval by the Animal Cancer Institute.
• Dogs must have a diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma (Grades I-II), with no evidence of metastatic disease.
• There must be at least two unaffected first-degree relatives of the affected dog (parents, siblings, or offspring) that will consent to participation through the donation of 10-15 ml of EDTA-anticoagulated blood (samples from unaffected relatives are not required at the time of diagnosis or sample submission from the affected patient).
• Informed owner consent form authorizing pre-treatment excisional biopsy (to be collected in a medium supplied by the AMC), and commitment for treatment with an acceptable protocol (e.g. amputation or limb-sparing surgery and systemic chemotherapy with Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Adriamycin, or a combination thereof).
Trial Support/Funding Includes:
• $150 stipend toward cost of biopsy • Histopathology and shipping of samples (an approximate value of $130) will be performed at no charge by the AMC Cancer Research Center .

For more information please contact Jen Turner at the Animal Cancer Institute (202) 363-7300 or see our website at: www.animalcancerinstitute.com

________________________________________________________

Antiangiogenic Therapy for Dogs with Measurable Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Animal Cancer Institute Studies

Since its inception the Animal Cancer Institute and its Network of veterinary oncologists have offered cutting edge treatment options. The Animal Cancer Institute Network is based in Washington, DC and extends across the United States with sites in California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington .

It is the goal of the Animal Cancer Institute to provide more effective and less toxic options for the treatment of cancer. Collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry allows these options to be provided, in many cases, at substantially reduced costs. For more information on the therapeutic diet clinical study for cats with lymphoma, and the Animal Cancer Institute, visit our website at: www.animalcancerinstitute.com.

The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC
Cutting edge options for cancer
C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM
T. Rusk DVM


Study Monitor– Kate Cadorette
Phone: 202-363-7300 Fax: 202-363-7126
Email: kcadorette@animalcancerinstitute.com

You may register your clinic to receive electronic updates on trials available to your clients. Registration for eTrial Updates is available at our website, www.animalcancerinstitute.com.

 

Trial eligibility criteria include:
• client owned pet dogs
• measurable, histologically confirmed soft tissue sarcomas, not including hemangiosarcomas
• tumors must be accessible for histopath collection and objective measurement using direct caliper measurement, ultrasound, radiographs or CT/MRI scan.
• favorable clinical performance status at entry (expected to remain clinically stable for 30 days).
• no previous exposure to antiangiogenic therapies
• no chemotherapy within 14 days of trial entry
• no radiation therapy administered within 21 days of trial entry
• corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents ok to continue if patient has been receiving for >14 days at time of study entry

Trial Support/Funding Includes:
• Antiangiogenic peptide provided at no charge
• Biopsy (as required at trial initiation, date of first objective response and date of relapse)
• MRI at study entry, and every 3 months through Day 180 for selected patients

All patients must be evaluated and treated through a participating Animal Cancer Institute Network site, monthly.

Diagnostic and staging tests may be performed at any veterinary hospital within 10 days of initiation (full serum chemistry, CBC, U/A and thoracic radiographs).

Dogs will receive a supply of medication for in-home, daily subcutaneous injection or will be treated at a representative clinic every 14 days with a depot injection. Continued therapy will be available pending response to therapy.

All examination, tumor imaging and other diagnostic costs are patient’s responsibility.

Cases which relapse or are refractory following >30 days on antiangiogenic therapy will be eligible to receive open label gemcitabine therapy. Gemcitabine will be provided at no charge - all other costs associated with drug examination and drug administration will be owner responsibility. Assessment of response will be made following the first cycle of therapy and consideration for a
2nd cycle will be made based on patient response.

For more information please contact Kate Cadorette at the Animal Cancer Institute (202-363-7300) or see our website at www.animalcancerinstitiute.com.

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Oral Antimitotic Agent for Dogs with Lymphoma
 

Animal Cancer Institute Studies

Since its inception the Animal Cancer Institute and its Network of veterinary oncologists have offered cutting edge treatment options. The Animal Cancer Institute Network is based in Washington, DC and extends across the United States with sites in California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington .

It is the goal of the Animal Cancer Institute to provide more effective and less toxic options for the treatment of cancer. Collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry allows these options to be provided, in many cases, at substantially reduced costs. For more information on the therapeutic diet clinical study for cats with lymphoma, and the Animal Cancer Institute, visit our website at: www.animalcancerinstitute.com.

The Animal Cancer Institute, LLC
Cutting edge options for cancer
C. Khanna DVM, PhD, DACVIM
T. Rusk DVM


For more information, contact
Jennifer Turner:

Phone: 202-363-7300
Fax: 202-363-7126
Email: jturner@animalcancerinstitute.com

You may register your clinic to receive electronic updates on trials available to your clients. Registration for eTrial Updates is available at our website, www.animalcancerinstitute.com.

Oral Antimitotic Agent for Dogs with Lymphoma

Eligibility Criteria Include:

• measurable, cytologically diagnosed NH lymphoma (histology collected at study entry)
• any clinical stage but must have nodal involvement- includes relapsed cases
• favorable performance score
• no concurrent chemotherapy (within 14 days of trial entry)
• no concurrent radiation therapy (within 21 days of trial entry)
• concurrent use of corticosteroids accepted providing treatment duration is greater than 21 days and/or no clinical improvement is noted. Measurable disease defined by examination, radiographs, ultra-sound, CT or MRI scan

Trial Design:
Diagnostic and staging tests may be performed at any veterinary hospital within 10 days of initiation of study:
• Serum biochemistry
• CBC
• Urinalysis
• Thoracic and abdominal radiographs

Patients will be treated at a participating Animal Cancer Institute Network clinic. Lymph node biopsies will be required at entry, Day 7, first objective response and at progression or relapse.

Trial Support/Funding Includes:
• Laboratory, biopsy and professional fees (as required for the study) from time of enrollment through Day 56 (additional monthly exams beyond Day 56 will be owner’s financial responsibility)
• Oral Antimitotic agent through Day 56 (beyond Day 56, additional monthly shipments of study drug supply will be billed to the clinic/investigator at a rate of $50 per shipment)

Dogs will receive the oral medication over a 4-week initial phase. Continued therapy will be available pending response to therapy. Long-term follow-up recheck examinations will be performed monthly.

For more information please contact the Animal Cancer Institute (202-363-7300) or see our website at www.animalcancerinstitiute.com.
 

Wednesday, April 6, 2005
What price a pet's life? $45,000 to treat Comet
 

Here is an Update on Comet's Progress, 21 Months Since His Original Diagnosis,  and 15 Months Since his Bone Marrow Transplant   Comet has been doing very well and is currently off all medications related to his transplant.  He has no signs of graft versus host disease, is apparently free of lymphoma, and has sustained engraftment.  He runs five miles every day with his owner and other Golden Retriever companion, Ajax.  This month is 21 months since his original diagnosis and 15 months since his transplant.     Dr. Westfall and Dr. Sullivan, continue working towards providing transplants for additional patients, and they have 8 patients with lymphoma being staged for both allogenic and autologous transplants.  Currently, the cost for an autologous transplant is expected to be around $12K US and an allogenic transplant between $18-20K depending upon the size of the dog, the number of matching studies, and the length of hospitalization.  The doctors hope that these costs will continue to decline as they learn more and streamline the process.  With an autologous transplant they expect to have long term disease free periods in 30% of these patients.  With allogenic transplants with matching DLA donors (sibling donors), they expect up to 60% long term disease free periods.  These numbers are estimates based upon the results of  autologous transplants done 25 years ago adjusted for improvements in chemo protocols and supportive care post transplant.    It is important that staging for the transplants be started as soon after the initial diagnosis as possible since autologous transplants are best done in the first remission.  Also, the use of Neupogen and un-irradiated blood products before the transplant can interfere with mobilization and engraftment.

"Comet is like many Golden