Canine B-cell Lymphoma Clinical Trial

Biodynamic Imaging (BDI) as a Promising Strategy for Personalized Therapy of Canine Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Primary Investigator

Dr. Michael Childress

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common type of lymphoma in dogs, is associated with varying degrees of clinical aggressiveness.  The standard treatment for DLBCL, combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (i.e. “CHOP”) affords cancer remission to 80-90% of affected dogs and significantly extends survival in most cases.  However, some dogs with DLBCL derive little benefit from CHOP, a therapy that is expensive and may produce serious side effects in some dogs.  Methods to accurately predict which dogs are and are not likely to benefit from CHOP are therefore desirable.  We have recently shown that a novel tumor tissue imaging technology called biodynamic imaging (BDI) predicts the responsiveness of canine DLBCL to CHOP with approximately 84% accuracy.  The purpose of this study will be to expand the use of BDI in a larger population of dogs with DLBCL to more fully define its predictive capability.  Tissue biopsy samples will be collected from all dogs in this study prior to administering chemotherapy and at the time that their cancer first relapses after receiving chemotherapy.  These biopsy samples will be analyzed using BDI in order to develop a more complete understanding of the ability of this technology to predict the response of DLBCL in dogs to CHOP chemotherapy.

Eligibility for Dogs to Participate in the Study

• Cytologically-confirmed lymphoma primarily affecting peripheral lymph nodes
• At least one peripheral lymph node ≥2 cm in longest diameter
• Expected survival time of ≥ 4 weeks with treatment
• No prior therapy for the lymphoma, including corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone 

Exclusion Criteria

• Confirmed or suspected T-cell lymphoma or lymphoma other than DLBCL
  • Dogs with hypercalcemia
  • Dogs with cranial mediastinal masses
  • Dogs at high risk for T-cell lymphoma – Boxer, Asian/Arctic breeds (unless confirmed to have DLBCL by histopathology)
  • Lymphoma originating at extranodal sites (e.g. mediastinum, skin, gastrointestinal tract)
  • Dogs at risk for the ABCB1-1D mutation (p-glycoprotein mutation)
    • Collie, Border collie, Shetland sheepdog, Australian shepherd, Old English sheepdog
    • These dogs are at increased risk for adverse reactions to cancer chemotherapy drug treatment, and may not tolerate standard drug doses used in CHOP
    • Dogs weighing <15 kg
    • Dogs displaying significant lymphoma-associated illness (i.e. “substage B”) or with serious comorbid diseases
    • Dogs that have received prior chemotherapy (including prednisone or other corticosteroids) or radiation therapy to treat their lymphoma

Financial Support

• The cost of initial tumor biopsy is discounted by $250.
• The cost of tumor biopsy at the time of cancer relapse is fully covered by the study.
• CHOP chemotherapy is provided at a discounted rate to dogs enrolled in this study.

Trial Start Date

Currently ongoing

For Questions, Please Call

Ms. Sarah Lahrman, RVT, or Dr. Michael Childress at 765-494-1107