FAQ
What is cancer?
Cancer is defined as the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. In companion animals, symptoms of cancer can include lethargy, weakness, pain, changes in appetite, altered bowel movements, unintentional weight loss, and more.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies designed to evaluate new treatments or therapeutic interventions for use in clinical practice. These trials aim to determine the safety, effectiveness, and side effects of new drugs, treatments, surgical procedures, diagnostic methods, or novel therapeutic approaches. Participation in UTSW clinical trials is entirely voluntary, and it is your decision whether or not to enroll your pet. For any additional questions about a specific trial, please contact Paige Neumann, Animal Trials Coordinator. VROC@UTSouthwestern.edu or call 214-645-6221.
How do I know clinical trials are safe?
There are risks associated with clinical trials, just as there are with medical procedures performed by your veterinarian. At UTSW, our clinical trials undergo review by an institutional committee to ensure animal welfare and safety. If you are interested in enrolling your pet in one of our clinical trials, you will be provided with an owner informed consent form before enrolling. VROC@UTSouthwestern.edu us or call 214-645-6221 for the necessary information about the trial, including costs, risks, benefits, and other important details.
Why are clinical trials important?
Clinical trials in both humans and animals provide investigators with valuable information about new, innovative, and potentially lifesaving drugs and therapies. VROC’s comparative oncology program is dedicated to discovering new treatments for both animals and humans. Enrolling your pet in a trial can advance veterinary medicine and offer insights into new treatments for human healthcare.
Which types of animals are eligible for our clinical trials?
Currently, we are enrolling dogs and cats with various types of cancers.
Are only specific cancer types considered for enrollment in our trials?
Our trials have a broad scope, although several studies are particularly interested in sarcoma, melanoma, mast-cell tumor, renal, gliomas, squamous cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, etc.
What type of treatments are performed in enrolled veterinary patients?
Our veterinary treatment trials incorporate radiation therapy, focused ultrasound, and novel chemo-immunotherapy agents for tumor treatments.
What financial costs can I expect from enrolling my pet in a clinical trial?
Owners enrolling their pets in our clinical trials will be responsible for 100% of the treatment and tissue and data collection costs. However, some treatments supported by grants may be significantly subsidized.
Does the Veterinary Research and Oncology Clinic perform surgical procedures?
No, we do not perform surgical oncologic procedures; however, we can refer cases to our partner practices to assist with this.
How should pet parents reach out to us?
Please VROC@UTSouthwestern.edu us or call 214-645-6221. You can also request the referring practice to call and schedule an appointment.
How many therapy exposures (e.g. radiation) may be needed for my pet?
Depending on the severity of the disease, the number of exposures may range from one to 10 over a few months.
Do we hospitalize and anesthetize veterinary patients?
Yes, all canine and feline patients undergoing radiation and related therapy require anesthesia. Veterinary patients are returned to their owners on the same day.
If I enroll my pet in a trial, what are my responsibilities?
Your pet will need to be seen by the veterinary team periodically and should receive the suggested therapeutics. The animal trials coordinator will provide the specific requirements based on the clinical study.
How will my pet benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial?
Our team offers the most innovative clinical trials available for companion animal cancer treatments. While outcomes cannot be guaranteed, our veterinarians and trial staff are dedicated to providing your pet with the best care possible.
How do I know if my pet qualifies for a clinical trial?
We recommend contacting the animal trials coordinator for more details, especially if it concerns a cancerous condition in your dog.
What should I expect from the initial appointment?
During your first visit to VROC, we will assess whether your pet is a good fit for the trial based on an initial physical exam, medical history and diagnostic information. We may request tissue samples, such as blood, and perform imaging on your pet at this visit. Owners will be asked to sign an owner informed consent form before such samples can be collected.
We encourage owners to bring any information about their pet’s condition, such as a confirmed cancer diagnosis, with them to the initial appointment to aid our clinicians in determining clinical trial placement for your pet. After your initial visit, our team will review the provided data and information concerning your pet and decide if they could benefit from enrollment into a clinical trial.
When do you start accepting canine and feline patients?
We are opening May 1, 2025.