Gulf Coast Veterinary Oncology offers a specialized treatment
service for pet animals with cancer. Similar to human oncology referral
centers, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hyperthermia, immunotherapy,
photodynamic therapy, and other treatment methods are all part of the
arsenal assembled to fight cancer in the pet animal.
A number of clinical trials are conducted by Gulf Coast Veterinary
Oncology. Most clinical trials are associated with newer methods of
cancer treatment. Although considered 'experimental', effectiveness of
the treatment has been proven in laboratory animals, safety has been
demonstrated in normal dogs or cats, and the therapy is considered to be
of potential benefit to the patient.
Patients entering a clinical trial must be carefully monitored.
Adherence to the treatment protocol is of vital importance to the
doctors of Gulf Coast Veterinary Oncology, the pet owner, and to future
pets with cancer to ensure that the best in therapy and patient care is
available. When a patient treated in a clinical trial dies, a necropsy
(autopsy) must be conducted to know the entire effect of treatment;
positive and negative.
Many naturally occurring cancers in pet animals closely resemble
human cancer and provide meaningful systems for cancer research to
benefit both man and animals. With owner permission, Gulf Coast
Veterinary Oncology provides specimens obtained from the patient (blood,
urine, and/or tumor samples) to basic researchers to gain additional
information that may benefit present and future cancer patients. It is
important to remember, research is not conducted on the pet
itself.
If an owner is considering having their pet evaluated by Gulf
Coast Veterinary Oncology, they should be assured that the most
appropriate treatment for the pet will always be recommended.
Experimental treatments are reserved for those pets who have failed
standard treatment or who, for some other reason, cannot undergo
conventional therapy.
A member of the Gulf Coast Veterinary Oncology staff is ready to
compassionately and candidly discuss any trial that might be helpful for
a pet with cancer. Please have your primary care veterinarian call us if
you are interested in scheduling an appointment for your pet and be
considered for a clinical trial.
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CLINICAL TRIALS UPDATE
Feline
Lymphoma: Cats with any presentation of lymphoma, with or without
prior therapy are eligible for this trial. Procedures necessary for
trial entry (complete laboratory, tumor biopsy, diagnostic imaging) are
the responsibility of the pet owner. If eligible, cats will be treated
using a combination of Vincristine, Mustargen, Procarbazine and
Prednisone every 2 or 3 weeks. Treatments are at no cost to the pet
owner during this 6 month clinical trial. The pet owner is responsible
for nominal examination fees at scheduled or unscheduled visits.
Canine
Lymphoma: Dogs with any presentation of lymphoma, with or without
prior chemotherapy are eligible for this trial. Procedures necessary
for trial entry (complete laboratory, tumor biopsy, diagnostic imaging,
possible marrow aspiration) are at no cost to the pet owner. If
eligible, dogs will be treated with a novel oral antimitotic
chemotherapy agent. Treatments are at no cost to the pet owner during
this 2 month clinical trial. The pet owner is responsible for nominal
examination fees at scheduled or unscheduled visits.
Canine Mast
Cell Tumors: Dogs with recurrent or nonresectable grade 2 or 3 mast
cell tumor(s) without nodal or visceral metastasis are eligible for this
trial. The pet owner is responsible for a nominal initial examination
fee. If eligible, additional procedures for trial entry (complete
laboratory, tumor biopsy, diagnostic imaging), scheduled visits, and all
treatments are at no cost to the pet owner during this 6 month clinical
trial. Dogs will be treated with a novel oral medication that may
reverse the genetic aberrations in mast cells of dogs that lead to tumor
development.
Canine
Osteosarcoma or Melanoma: We have available, on a limited basis,
compassionate use of a novel anti-angiogenic agent (subcutaneous twice
daily) for evaluation in dogs with any presentation, with or without
prior therapy, of osteosarcoma or melanoma. The pet owner is
responsible for nominal examination fees at scheduled or unscheduled
visits.
Genetics of
Canine Osteosarcoma: Dogs with any presentation of osteosarcoma,
with or without prior therapy are eligible for this diagnostic study.
The pet owner is responsible for a nominal fee for examination and blood
sample submission to participate in this genetic study. This is not a
treatment trial.
The above trials are available for a limited basis and are subject to
change. For additional information, please contact a member of our
oncology staff
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| Are you eligible for a Clinical
Trial? We offer a number of trials evaluating
state-of-the-art approaches in managing cancer, some that may provide
for the cost of cancer treatments. For additional information, call our
offices in Houston (713-693-1166) for additional information. |
