Species: Dog
Area of Study: Medical Oncology
Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study is to provide a direct comparison between the outcomes for dogs with peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) treated with CHOP or LOPP chemotherapy. The findings of this study could help veterinarians understand if one protocol is truly superior to the other for dogs with PTCL.
In this study, your dog will be randomly selected to receive either CHOP or LOPP chemotherapy. At each visit, their lymph node size, blood work, and overall wellbeing will be assessed.
Timeline: Both protocols involve treatments every 7–14 days and take 4-6 months to complete. Following protocol completion, your pet will return once monthly to assess remission status.
Eligibility: Your dog may qualify if:
- Confirmed peripheral T cell lymphoma diagnosis via cytology or histopathology
- No indolent forms of lymphoma, such as T zone lymphoma
- Cutaneous lymphoma will not be included
- No prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy for lymphoma. It is preferred that patients are not started on steroids in advance of enrollment. However, if deemed by the overseeing clinician, patients can still be enrolled on steroids for up to 10 days.
- No major lab work abnormalities that prevent chemotherapy administration
- No evidence of dilated cardiomyopathy, ventricular arrhythmia, or liver failure
T Cell Diagnostic Testing
A diagnosis of T cell lymphoma can be made using one or more of the following tests:
- Immunocytochemistry (ICC)*
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)*
- PCR for antigen receptor rearrangements (PARR)*
- Flow cytometry
*Available through the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Client Benefits: This is a partially funded trial.
- A test must be conducted to confirm the T cell lymphoma diagnosis in study participants. T cell diagnostic testing can be conducted at MSU or through clients’ primary care veterinarians. Diagnostic testing at MSU costs approximately $250. For dogs accepted to the study, the cost will be reimbursed by an account credit at the MSU Veterinary Medical Center at trial completion (either when the protocol is completed or the patient develops progressive disease).
- Initial evaluation appointments will be charged. For dogs accepted to the study, recheck exams during clinical trial appointments will be free of cost ($60 value per visit). Costs associated with blood work and treatment will remain the responsibility of the client (with the exception described below).
- Dogs will receive the first dose of doxorubicin (for those assigned to the CHOP protocol) or lomustine (for those assigned to the LOPP protocol) free of cost. First-dose administrative and blood work fees also will be free of cost.
- Clients are financially responsible for all treatments and diagnostics that are unrelated to the study.
Client Responsibilities:
- To administer prednisone, chemotherapy, or supplemental medications as prescribed by the attending veterinarian.
- To comply with the visit schedule outlined by study investigators
- To report any abnormal behavior or signs of illness to study investigators.
- To contact study investigators if your dog is evaluated by any other veterinarians during the course of the study.
- To inform study investigators of any non-study-related veterinary treatments recommended for your dog during the course of the study.
Contact Information: Please feel free to contact our Medical Oncology Team at (517) 353-5420 or cvm.oncoinfo@msu.edu to refer a patient or for any additional information. Referring veterinarian and client calls are welcome.
Practitioners of interest: Primary care and specialty clinics, especially oncology specialties, in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Canada, and surrounding areas.