Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Optimization of flow cytometry and tumor collection parameters in dogs

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  • Recruiting
  • Dog
  • Oncology

Description

The purpose of this study is to establish the process for examining dog immune cells using a method called flow cytometry. This permits evaluation of individual types of immune cells so they can be better studied.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Dogs diagnosed with cytologically or histologically confirmed spontaneous solid tumor are eligible for enrollment. The dog may have undergone prior surgical resection or there may be no other known effective therapeutic options, or the owner may elect to enter the dog in lieu of standard therapy.
  • The tumor must be at least 1 cm and no larger than 7 cm in size
  • Adequate organ function as indicated by standard laboratory tests (complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis).
  • Liver: Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5X the institutional upper limit of normal (ULN), ALT ≤ 3X ULN
  • ECOG performance score of 0-1
  • Otherwise medically healthy with no clinically significant physical findings upon examination, medical history, and clinical laboratory profile, as deemed by the Principal Investigators.
  • Dogs must have an estimated life expectancy of at least 2 months.
  • Dogs may have received NSAIDs or steroids, but must be off all drugs that could impact the immune response for at least 7 days prior to enrollment.
  • Informed written consent must be obtained

Exclusion Criteria

  • Pregnant or lactating dogs
  • Dogs with solid tumors of hematopoietic origin (mast cell tumor, histiocytic sarcoma, plasma cell tumor, cutaneous lymphoma, etc.)
  • Necrosis involving more than 10% of the visible tumor
  • Evidence of metastatic disease to any organ including lungs
  • Prior treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy
  • Concurrent use of complementary or alternative medicines that in the opinion of the Principal Investigator would confound the interpretation of toxicities and/or antitumor activity within the context of this study.
  • Dogs with significant liver or cardiovascular disease.
  • Any serious systemic disorder incompatible with the Study (at the discretion of the PI).
  • Use of any other investigational drug within 2 weeks of study entry.

Client Benefits

You will receive a credit of $250 toward the surgical removal of your dog’s tumor.

Sample or Data Requirements

A small amount of blood (less than 1 tablespoon) will be drawn from your dog’s vein prior to surgical removal of his/her tumor. After your dog’s tumor is removed, we will collect a portion of this tumor to collect and evaluate the immune cells that are in the tissue.


 

Referring Physician Questionnaire

If you believe you have a patient who is eligible for this clinical trial study or you would like additional information from the Clinical Trials Office at the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, complete a referring physician questionnaire.

Contact

For questions regarding the clinical trial please email clinicaltrials@tufts.edu.