This clinical study sponsored by Johns Hopkins investigates the safety and efficacy of an investigational drug when given in conjunction with a standard chemotherapy agent, liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin. This investigational drug, recombinant canine Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (rc-TNFa), is believed to allow the chemotherapy to target tumor cells more specifically and increase tumor response to chemotherapy.   Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of any type of cancer (except for mast cell tumors) without any other significant health problems are eligible. Both drugs will be given once intravenously (into a vein), and dogs will be followed for 3 weeks after treatment.  Your dog will stay overnight at Penn Vet for 48 hours after treatment, and you will be required to bring your pet back to Penn Vet 1, 2, and 3 weeks after treatment. There is no placebo (sham treatment) group for this study.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Dog with spontaneous solid tumor malignancies or lymphoma – both newly diagnosed and relapsed are eligible.
  • Measurable disease (defined as at least one tumor >2cm in length).
  • At least 3 weeks has elapsed since the completion of the last cycle of chemotherapy and/or major surgery.
  • No significant abnormalities on echocardiogram.
  • Dog must weigh at least 33 lbs.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Dogs less than 33 lbs.
  • Must have no concurrent chemotherapy, surgery or other treatment such as prednison. Dogs must be off all such therapy for 3 weeks prior to study enrollment.
  • Must have no significant co-morbid illness, which includes but is not limited to renal or hepatic failure, history of congestive heart failure or clinical coagulopathy.

Benefits

There is no fee to participate in this study. Once your dog is enrolled, costs associated with initial cancer staging and restaging 3 weeks after treatment, the study drug administration, monitoring, and treatment of any side effects are paid for by the study. If you are interested in participating in this clinical trial or would like to learn more about it, please contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu.