Cancer clinical trial for cats with cancer.

CALIFORNIA
Study: Gemcitabine chemotherapy for cats with any type of tumor
Location: University of California Veterinary Hospital, Davis, CA
Phone: 530-752-0125
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vmth/small_animal/oncology/studies.cfm

Eligibility: Any cat with any type of cancer but in stable condition and with normal blood work. The cat must be examined by
the VMTH Oncology or Radiation Oncology service veterinarian, and require the following baseline evaluations at the
owners expense before a cat can be considered for enrollment in the trial:

• Confirmed diagnosis (histologically or cytologically)
• Physical examination with weight recorded
• CBC, Chemistry Panel and Urinalysis within one week of enrollment (referring blood work is acceptable as long as it was
run at a commercial lab)

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to determine the dose of gemcitabine that optimizes tumor control in cats
with cancer.

Requirements and incentives: This study is fully funded. Once enrolled, the study will pay for the office exam, routine
bloodwork, administration of the drug and the drug itself The patient will be required to stay at least part of the day.

GEORGIA
Study: Vinorelbine chemotherapy for cats with any type of tumor
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
www.vet.uga.edu/research/clinical/Current%20Clinical%20Trials/webpage%20Feline%20studies%202011.pdf

Eligibility: The cats must meet the following criteria:
1. Cats with any cytologically and/or histologically confirmed cancer are eligible.
2. Measurable or microscopic disease.
3. Prior surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy is allowed but there must be at least a four week lapse between any
of these treatments and entry into the trial.
4. The cats may not receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids while they are in the study. If they
are on NSAIDs or steroids prior to enrolling in the trial, they must undergo a 72 hour withdrawal period prior to study
initiation.
5. The cats must have normal organ and bone marrow function and have an expected survival of at least 4 weeks.
6. Owners must sign an informed consent form.

Summary: Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug belonging to the same class as other chemotherapy drugs like vincristine
and vinblastine. This drug has been used in humans and dogs with various cancers. Although vinorelbine is generally well-
tolerated, neutropenia has been the dose-limiting toxicity in both species. Anecdotally, it has been used in cats at low
dosages with no toxicity. However, to date, no clinical trials have been conducted. The objectives of this study are to
determine the dose-limiting toxicity and maximum tolerated dose in dogs, to establish a safe starting dose, and to
characterize drug-related side effects of vinorelbine in cats with cancer. This study is funded by the University of Georgia
College of Veterinary Medicine’s Clinical Research committee.

Requirements and Incentives: Preliminary staging tests for all cats will include initial consultation and physical examination,
complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemical profile, FeLV/FIV ELISA, T4 level, and urinalysis. Once accepted into the
study, the intent will be to administer one dose of vinorelbine to the cat. A CBC will be rechecked 7 and 14 days post-
treatment and serum biochemical profile rechecked 14 days post-treatment.

The costs of the initial tests, chemotherapy and follow-up described above will be reimbursed by the study if the cat
qualifies. Assuming the cat tolerates the dosage well, treatments may be continued every other week, off-study, at the
owner’s expense. Complications of chemotherapy will NOT be covered by the study.

PENNSYLVANIA
Study: Clinical and Molecular Markers of Cancer Cachexia in Cats
Location: University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu
http://research.vet.upenn.edu/ClinicalStudies/CanineLymphoma/tabid/4518/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/35/Weight-
Loss-in-Cats-with-Cancer.aspx

Eligibility:
Your cat has been diagnosed with any type of cancer and has not yet been treated by chemotherapy (including steroids),
radiation or surgery.

Summary: Cancer cachexia is a syndrome that is described in human medicine. Patients with this syndrome lose body
weight and muscle mass, have a decreased appetite, and feel unwell overall. These patients also have a poor response to
cancer treatments and a decreased survival compared to patients that do not have this syndrome. Cancer cachexia is
associated with increased blood levels of inflammatory proteins. Some cats with cancer may experience a similar
syndrome. The purpose of this study is to document and compare the body weight, body condition, and blood levels of
inflammatory proteins in normal weight cats with cancer, underweight (cachectic) cats with cancer, and normal weight
healthy cats.

We will obtain a blood sample for a general health screening and inflammatory markers. Body condition and muscle mass
scoring will be performed as part of the physical examination by feeling for the amount of muscle and fat present, and
evaluating the body conformation (size and shape). We will also obtain a urine sample from the healthy cats only. In
addition, you will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about your cat’s diet and dietary supplement intake over the
past two weeks.

Benefits: All blood work (chemistry screen and complete blood count), urinalysis (for healthy cats only) and body condition
evaluation are covered by the study. The results of this study may yield information that may be beneficial for cats with
cancer in the future. If we find that cats with cancer have a syndrome similar to human cancer cachexia, future studies of
cats with cancer cachexia may yield information that may also be beneficial for people with cancer cachexia.