Our ultimate goal is to identify the most effective medical treatment for dogs with T cell lymphoma. Specifically, I’m assessing two chemotherapy protocols that use different drugs. These protocols are called CHOP and LOPP.

Learning if CHOP or LOPP is more effective at treating T cell lymphoma in dogs will inform families of tailored treatment options and help veterinarians better treat dogs with T cell lymphoma.

In addition to confirming that enrollees have T cell lymphoma, our research team will evaluate the genetic mutations present in each individual’s disease. Unfortunately, we can’t provide specific information to clients about their dog’s results. All data used in the study will be anonymized to help determine if specific genetic mutations connected to T cell lymphoma play a role in the effectiveness of either the CHOP or LOPP chemotherapy protocols.

The two chemotherapy protocols in this trial are named CHOP and LOPP. Each letter stands for a drug used in the treatment protocol.

CHOP stands for cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride (hydroxydaunorubicin), vincristine sulfate (Oncovin), and prednisone. LOPP stands for lomustine (CCNU), vincristine (Oncovin), prednisolone, and procarbazine.

Yes, CHOP and LOPP are long-standing chemotherapy protocols.

Dogs tolerate chemotherapy very well. Our main goal is to improve and maintain quality of life for our patients. This means that we use lower doses of chemotherapy drugs and less intense protocols than in human medicine. As such, our patients experience fewer and less severe side effects. Most of our patients have mild to no side effects. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite) and low white blood cell count. Hair loss is uncommon.