We are currently seeking patients for enrollment in funded oncology clinical trials. Study goals and suitability for each patient are discussed in detail with the clients prior to enrollment. Although clinical trial enrollment may not be the best option for all patients, in many cases, clinical trial participation provides the opportunity to receive novel, cutting-edge therapies free of charge or at a reduced cost and may facilitate treatment of pets where it would not otherwise be possible due to financial constraints or lack of other therapy options. Criteria for enrollment are outlined for each tumor type below. Please direct referrals or questions to the Oncology Clinical Trials Service at 573-882-7821.
Current Trials and Studies
The University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Center is enrolling patients into a clinical trial investigating the use of a novel radioembolization procedure in dogs. All dogs will receive radioembolization and a subset will be evaluated for subsequent resection.
Criteria:
- Be at least 1 year old and weigh at least 12kg (26.4lb)
- Be diagnosed with pathology confirmed hepatocellular cancer
- Have at least one tumor greater than 3cm diameter but no more than a total of 3 tumors
- Have a life expectancy of at least 3 months without treatment
- Have received no prior anti-cancer therapy for this liver tumor
- Have no other diseases or behavioral conditions that would interfere with study
Benefit:
- Radioembolization and surgical resection (if eligible)
- Follow-up physical exams and CT imaging at 3- and 6- months
- Contribute to development of an important cancer therapy
To Participate:
- Pet owner must be willing to transport their dog to and from the treatment center in Columbia, MO
- A full screening will be performed prior to enrollment
- Suitable patients will receive one radioembolization treatment
- Participation will require a total of up to 5-visits over 6-months
For more information on this study please contact:
zellmerd@missouri.edu or abkbiomedical.com/liver-cancer-in-dogs/
Non-therapeutic Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survey Study
Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (FOSCC) is the 4th most common tumor in cats and the most common oral cancer in cats. FOSCC can appear as a mass or an area of severe ulceration in the mouth, leading to pain and difficulties eating. There is still no effective treatment for this disease. The University of Missouri Veterinary Oncology Service is conducting a research project and is looking for owners of cats diagnosed with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma within the past 10 years (January 2010-August 2020) to participate in a ~10-minute online survey regarding their cat’s medical history, and environment, (including diet, litter, etc.).
Criteria:
- Felines diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
- Owner willing to participate in an approximately ten minute online survey
- Survey participants must consent to allow access to cat’s medical records to confirm the diagnosis.
Benefit:
- Information gathered from this survey study will be crucial in determining potential risk factors related to the development of FOSCC, as well as possible preventative measures for cat owners in the future.
To Participate:
- If you are interested in participating, please contact FOSCCsurvey@missouri.edu to receive the weblink to our survey.
Contact Faculty Person: Dr. Shirley Chu
Tissue, Blood and Fecal Samples Needed
- We are collecting blood and fecal samples from canine patients receiving doxorubicin or carboplatin chemotherapy to evaluate the fecal microbiome of these patients. Samples are collected prior to the initiation of chemotherapy and on Day 4, 7 and 21 post chemotherapy. The study is complete at the sample collection on Day 21. If all samples are collected at specified time points clients will receive a $250.00 stipend to be used for additional therapy at MU VHC.
- We are collecting blood samples from patients receiving treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, etc.) for cancer. A small blood sample is taken prior to the initiation of therapy and at one, three, six, nine and twelve months. The owner will receive a small stipend at each visit for study participation. The study is complete at one year or if patient fails therapy. Additionally, we are collecting blood and tissue samples from patients undergoing surgery for cancer treatment. A small blood sample will be taken prior to surgery and at the time of suture removal (10-14 days). The study is complete at the suture removal sample collection. The owner will receive a small stipend for study participation.
