Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs with few treatment options available. Traditional injectable chemotherapeutic drugs have been used to extend quality of life, achieve clinical remissions, and slow cancer progression, but are not feasible options for many families. Additional safe, low cost therapies are needed for canine patients. 

Multi-agent chemotherapy plus prednisone (an oral steroid pill) is the standard treatment. However, this is not a viable option for many families with affected dogs. Cyclophosphamide is also given by mouth, inexpensive, and part of the standard of care chemotherapy protocol for dogs with lymphoma, but it's effectiveness as a single agent has not been well-studied or reported. We want to learn about what happens when prednisone, an antibiotic, and cyclophosphamide are used together. Our goal is to develop a well-tolerated, effective, oral chemotherapy protocol as an alternative for families that want to avoid injectable chemotherapy.

Eligibility: Dogs seen by the Cornell University Hospital for Animals who have been diagnosed with large cell lymphoma or cutaneous lymphoma who are not already on oral prednisone. Diagnosis can be confirmed at the initial study visit if needed. Dogs must have at least one enlarged (>2cm diameter), peripheral lymph node for large cell lymphoma.

Compensation: This study is sponsored by the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. All testing related to this study is covered by the sponsor. This includes the costs of medications, diagnostic testing, and evaluation pertinent to the study. Any tests or procedures unrelated to the study are your responsibility.

Owner Responsibilities: You are responsible for administering study medications as directed and must return your dog to CUHA for follow-up appointments according to a specific timeline. We may take a small amount of extra blood and lymph node aspirates at time points where these procedures are already occurring (so your dog will not have an extra needle poke). You will be asked to complete an extra questionnaire about your dog's health at study-related visits. All study procedures, time requirements, and responsibilities will be provided to you in a project outline.

Principal Investigator: Kelly Hume, DVM, DACVIM

Contact/Schedule an Appointment: If you have a dog you think may be eligible please call the clinical trials coordinator at 607.253.3060, or email vet-research@cornell.edu