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    Clinical Trials

    dog at vet

    Through clinical trials, we can offer our canine companions the best possible care, while also contributing to the advancement of veterinary science for the benefit of all dogs and their human counterparts.

    Find More Clinical Trials

    Cell Therapy for Metastatic Osteosarcoma

    View the trial on the Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry

    Contact:
    Mary Beth Boland
    mboland@vet.upenn.edu

    In this study we will investigate the therapeutic potential of a type of white blood cell known as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells that are made from the blood of a healthy donor dog. iNKT cells are potent immune cells that kill cancer cells in mouse models and in some human cancer patients. In this study, we will use iNKT cells that express a cancer targeting receptor known as a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The CAR directs the modified iNKT cells to the cancer cells which are then killed. The CAR-iNKT cells also will further activate the patient’s own immune system to help kill the cancer cells. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety of CAR-iNKT cells, their maximum tolerated dose, how long they will remain in the patient and their effectiveness against bone cancer that has spread to the lungs. 

    Bladder Cancer Study

    Contact:
    Samuel Stewart
    sstewart@ethosvet.com

    Pilot study to evaluate the safety and pharmacodynamic effects of a fully canine anti-PD1 antibody in pet dogs with urothelial carcinoma

    Dogs with urothelial carcinoma may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. This study seeks to evaluate a novel immunotherapy that specifically targets an important molecule primarily expressed on immune cells. This molecule usually turns off the immune cells and prevents overactive immune responses. However, it also turns off anti-cancer immune responses and prevents the immune system controlling and killing cancer cells. Immunotherapies that can inhibit this molecule on immune cells that recognize cancer cells could make it possible for the immune system to recognize and attack the underlying cancer more effectively. This study seeks to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of this novel immunotherapy in dogs with urothelial carcinoma.

    Project Description Urothelial carcinoma (also known as transitional cell carcinoma) is the most common type of bladder cancer to affect dogs. Treatment often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, with the aim being to reduce the size of the tumor, alleviate symptoms, and improve the dog’s quality of life. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment approach for many types of cancer, including canine urothelial carcinoma. Immunotherapies aim to harness the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. They can be particularly attractive for treating cancers that are difficult to access surgically or that have metastasized (spread to other parts of the body). 

    This study seeks to evaluate a novel immunotherapy when used in dogs with urothelial carcinoma. The therapy specifically targets an important molecule primarily expressed on immune cells, which usually turns off the immune cells and prevents overactive immune responses. However, it also turns off anti-cancer immune responses and prevents the immune system controlling and killing cancer cells. Immunotherapies that can inhibit this molecule on immune cells that recognize cancer cells could make it possible for the immune system to recognize and attack the underlying cancer more effectively. Urothelial carcinoma in dogs shares many biological and molecular features with human urothelial carcinoma, including their ability to be shielded from the immune system. Human clinical trials in urothelial carcinoma investigating similar immunotherapies have shown these therapies to be more effective than traditional chemotherapies in some cases. Development of an immunotherapy that is safe and beneficial in canine urothelial carcinoma patients will advance veterinarians ability to treat this disease and will provide an important model to inform future canine and human clinical trials in this area. This study seeks to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of this novel immunotherapy in dogs with urothelial carcinoma. 
    LocationsVeterinary Specialty Hospital – North County San Marcos, California

    Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency, Boulder, Colorado
    Study Type Interventional 
    Intervention Drug 
    Inclusion Criteria
    • Weigh ≥5kg and ≤35kg
    • Histologically confirmed urothelial carcinoma, with or without documented lymph node involvement (both newly diagnosed dogs and those with recurrent/relapsed disease are eligible)
    • Measurable tumor burden with primary intravesicular tumor amenable for cystoscopic biopsy
    • ECOG performance status of grade 0 or 1
    • Adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function
    • Creatinine ≤2.0 mg/dL
    • No significant comorbidities
    • Expected survival time of at least eight weeks
    • Signed informed owner consent
    Exclusion Criteria 
    • Body weight of <5kg or >35kg
    • Pulmonary metastatic disease
    • History of any diagnosed or suspected autoimmune or immune-mediated disease, colitis, IBD, endocrine disorders
    • Significant comorbidities
    • Symptomatic urinary tract infection confirmed on urine culture
    • Any >grade 2 hematologic or biochemical abnormality
    • History of daily drug administration for unregulated chronic disease
    • Prior experimental therapy
    • Prior antibody therapies
    • Prior immunomodulatory therapies within six weeks of study enrollment.
    • Dogs receiving standard of care NSAID for UC for at least two weeks prior to study enrollment will be allowed to continue while on study
    • Concurrent chemotherapy or radiation therapy within two weeks of study enrollment
    • Treatment with corticosteroids within seven days of study enrollment
    Potential Medical Benefits to Enrolled Animals Possible improvement in the status of your dog’s urothelial carcinoma. 
    Potential Medical Risks to Enrolled Animals The risk for complications from the routine diagnostics and imaging performed for the study are considered to be very low. Several study visits will require sedation or general anesthesia, which can be associated with complications. The veterinarian overseeing your dog’s care will discuss the potential complications associated with the sedation / anesthesia plan they intend to use in your dog. 
    Financial Incentives for Study Participants Fully funded including initial screening