College of Veterinary Medicine

Oncology Clinical Trials

Dogs are helping scientists discover better cancer treatments

Learn more about Dr. Knapp's work in this wonderful story from WSB-TV!

A news team from Atlanta’s WSB-TV, an ABC-affiliate TV station, visited the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital recently to report on the game-changing possibilities of clinical trials involving naturally occurring cancer in dogs. In the full video, Anchor/Reporter Tom Regan described research led by Dr. Deborah Knapp, Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology and director of the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program (PCOP).  The story explained how comparative oncology research in dogs holds promise for speeding up the development of cancer-fighting drugs.

Current Clinical Trials

Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Pilot study involving a novel nanoparticle radiosensitizer in pet dogs with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Learn more about our Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Trial >>

Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma

Clinical evaluation of propranolol in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of splenic hemangiosarcoma in dogs.

Learn more about our Splenic Hemangiosarcoma Clinical Trial >>

Canine Urinary Bladder Cancer

In 2022, the PCOP is opening a new trial for dogs with urinary bladder cancer (TCC) affecting the bladder and/or urethra. The study is aimed at learning how the dog’s immune system can be stimulated to attack the cancer.

Learn more about our Canine Urinary Bladder Cancer Trial >>

Canine Multicentric Lymphoma Clinical Trials

We are currently recruiting dogs with multicentric lymphoma for multiple ongoing clinical studies.
A Note on Prednisone: Please note that treatment of canine lymphoma with prednisone prior to initiation of multidrug chemotherapy has been associated with increased chemotherapeutic drug resistance and reduced remission and survival times. Therefore, dogs previously treated with prednisone are unfortunately not eligible for some of the ongoing trials. If you are a veterinarian interested in referring a canine patient with lymphoma to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for treatment, please do not prescribe prednisone for that patient.
We realize that lymphomas may progress rapidly and that prompt treatment is imperative for optimal patient care. We therefore make every effort to receive patients with a confirmed or tentative diagnosis of lymphoma as quickly as possible. Usually, appointments are available within 24-48 hours' notice.
If you are a veterinarian interested in referring a canine patient with lymphoma for treatment, or if you would like additional information about these studies, please call the Veterinary Hospital at (765) 494-1107 and ask to speak with Ms. Sarah Lahrman, RVT, or Dr. Michael Childress.
Biodynamic Imaging (BDI) as a Promising Strategy for Personalized Therapy of Canine Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Biodynamic Testing of Chemotherapy Sensitivity in Dogs Receiving Gemcitabine for Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

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Clinical Trials in Dogs with Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions

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