Clinical Trials / Studies
Cancer
Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma
We are recruiting dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma to investigate the benefit of maintenance Palladia™/cyclophosphamide/piroxicam therapy following amputation and standard carboplatin chemotherapy.
- Carboplatin and Palladia™ medications will be provided free of charge and clients will receive an additional $650.00 toward recheck visits, labwork, etc required during the maintenance therapy period.
- Patients with pulmonary metastasis are NOT eligible.
- Due to specific chemotherapy timing requirements, it is recommended that you call to discuss the patient prior to amputation if the client may be interested in participation in this trial and assuming osteosarcoma is histologically confirmed.
Dr.
Canine Nasal Carcinoma
We are recruiting dogs with nasal carcinoma to investigate the benefit of Palladia® vs. Palladia® and radiotherapy. It is hoped that Palladia® will act as a radiosensitizer and improve outcomes in patients with the combination of therapies when compared to those treated with Palladia® alone.
- Palladia® will be provided free of charge to the client.
- Dogs with nodal or distant metastasis are not eligible.
Dr. Blaise Burke (858) 875-7500.
Dogs Receiving Doxorubicin
We are investigating the benefit of Fortiflora™ nutritional supplement in dogs receiving doxorubicin chemotherapy.
- Dogs already receiving doxorubicin are eligible.
- Fortiflora or placebo will be provided free-of-charge and clients will also receive a $212 credit toward treatment for participation.
- Dogs must return 3 and 7 days after doxorubicin treatment for blood and urine samples. These visits will be at no-cost for the client.
- Clients must fill out a diary regarding their dog's fecal scores for 10 days after doxorubicin treatment.
- Dogs on less-than-standard doses are not eligible.
Contact Dr. Andi Flory (760) 466-0600 or (858) 875-7500 x719.
Dogs with Solid Tumors
A new clinical trial option is now available for dogs with melanoma, osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Trial Summary
A minimum of 100 dogs with solid tumors will be treated with modified anaerobic bacteria. Treated dogs will be monitored closely after treatment with follow-up required at 2,4,7, and 14 days. While the patient remains on study, there will also be rechecks at 1 and 2 months from the initial treatment.
Trial Support and Funding
Study drug, diagnostic tests, and follow-up exams will be paid for by the study sponsor. In the event that side effects are attributed to the study drug, the study will pay for medical management of the side effects.
Trial Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria Includes:
- Client-owned dogs with solid tumors with a preference for squamous cell carcinoma and sarcomas
- Histologic or cytologic confirmation of tumor diagnosis
- Dogs that have failed standard therapy or whose owners have declined such therapy
- At least one palpable lesion measuring ≥ 1 cm in diameter
- Dogs able to function normally (Modified ECOG Performance Score of 0 or 1)
Exclusion Criteria Includes:
- Evidence of an active bacterial infection based on physical examination and/or complete blood count evaluation
- Received antibiotic therapy within 7 days prior to infusion for a confirmed or suspected infection
- Cancer therapy of any type (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, etc.) within 3 weeks of study treatment
- Tumors located in areas where abscess development would be catastrophic, such as nasal tumors that extend into the brain or significant pulmonary metastatic disease
Contact Dr. Brenda Phillips (858) 875-7500.
Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
We are recruiting cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma to investigate the benefit of Palladia® vs. Palladia® and coarse-fractionated radiotherapy. It is hoped that Palladia® will act as a radiosensitizer and improve outcomes in patients with the combination of therapies when compared to those treated with Palladia® alone.
- Palladia® will be provided free of charge.
- Cats with nodal or distant metastasis are not eligible.
Dr. Blaise Burke (858) 875-7500
Internal Medicine
Canine IBD Study
In conjunction with the Texas A&M GI Lab, VSH is enrolling dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease in a study to evaluate the usefulness of several new markers of inflammatory diseases in serum, urine, and feces. Dogs with chronic small bowel diarrhea, vomiting or weight loss are eligible. Contact Dr. Hill at (858) 875-7575 x702 or Jen Fulbright at (858) 875-7500 x729.
Canine Pancreatitis Study
VSH is enrolling dogs with ascites secondary to pancreatitis or nonpancreatic etiologies in a study to evaluate the usefulness of Spec cPL on ascites in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Dogs with any form of ascites are eligible.
Contact Dr. Marie Chartier or Dr. Steve Hill at (858) 875-7500 x702.
Glomerular Disease Study
VSH is participating in a multi-center prospective study evaluating increased dosing of enalapril in dogs with glomerular disease. Client incentives include reduced cost of some initial testing and no cost for scheduled recheck visits and tests.
For more information please contact Dr. Julie Fischer at 760-466-0600.
Surgery
Hip Resurfacing
VSH is now enrolling patients in a clinical trial evaluating a novel technique for the surgical management of canine hip dysplasia. Hip resurfacing (HR) is considered a bone sparing technique that preserves the femoral head and avoids the need for a femoral endoprosthesis. In human orthopedics, the incidence of prosthesis luxation and femoral fractures are decreased with HR compared to traditional total hip arthroplasty. If you have any questions regarding HR as an option for your patients, please call a VSH surgeon to discuss the inclusion criteria. Clients interested in HR are encouraged to schedule a consult with a VSH surgeon.
Contact Surgery Department at (760) 466-0600 (North County) or (858) 875-7500 (Sorrento Valley).