The Veterinary Clinical Investigation Center is currently recruiting dogs who have been diagnosed with lymphoma for the first time. The purpose of this study is to obtain cells and genetic material from dogs with lymphoma (also called lymphosarcoma) so that we may better understand this cancer in dogs. Lymphoma in dogs is genetically similar to lymphoma in humans and both dogs and humans respond similarly to chemotherapy. This trial will aim to differentiate among the up to 30 different subtypes of canine lymphoma, which will lead to further research of this disease and potentially a different standard of care for future canine lymphoma patients. The current standard of veterinary care to treat lymphoma in canine patients does not vary depending on the subtype of the cancer. Your dog’s lymphoma will be classified using the same system used in human lymphoma as set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

The future goal of this research is to develop new therapeutic protocols specific to the type of lymphoma based on clinical information and the WHO classification system. In addition, a part of the lymph node will be reserved for the Penn Vet Tumor Tissue Bank, which will provide researchers with samples for future studies. 

 

 

Enrollment for this study involves surgically removing one of your dog’s enlarged lymph nodes under general anesthesia and taking a small blood sample. This can be accomplished during your dog’s cancer staging with our oncology service. Benefits to you and your dog include no cost for the CBC/Chemistry screen, which is part of the standard cancer staging; no cost for the surgery and anesthesia for removal of the lymph node; and the classification and immunophenotyping of your dog’s lymphoma according to the World Health Organization System; chest x-rays; abdominal ultrasound; and bone marrow aspirate. These procedures are normally performed for dogs about to undergo chemotherapy. Additionally, we can also perform the bone marrow aspirate while your dog is under general anesthesia. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. This study covers all costs associated with the cancer staging; however, it does not cover the cost for treatment.

While this research study may not directly benefit your pet, classification and identification of different types of canine lymphoma will hopefully help develop new treatment options and benefit dogs diagnosed with lymphoma in the future.

 

For more information on this trial, please contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu