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Radiology and Radiological Science

 

Canine Cancer Clinical Trial (Hemangiosarcoma or Prostate Cancer)

dog standing in park

Study Title: Evaluation of 18F DCFPYL PET-CT for the Assessment of Metastatic Hemangiosarcoma or Prostate Cancer 
Current Status: Open and enrolling
Principle Investigators: Rebecca A. Krimins, D.V.M., M.S., rkrimin1@jhmi.edu 

Historically, no type of imaging has been capable of accurately diagnosing the spread of metastatic hemangiosarcoma or prostate cancer to bone and soft tissues in the dog. For humans suffering from prostate cancer at Johns Hopkins University, 18F DCFPYL, a small molecule inhibitor of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been shown to have high uptake at sites of metastases in patients with prostate cancer. 

This radiotracer is currently undergoing rigorous phase III clinical trials in people in order to gain FDA-approval.  In dogs, staging tests and therapies have been inconsistently applied to canine patients with hemangiosarcoma or prostate cancer because these cancers can be difficult to diagnose. Canine hemangiosarcoma cells and prostate cancer cells express PSMA.  

The current study goal is to confirm that 18F DCFPYL PET-CT offers an improved sensitivity for the early detection of metastatic hemangiosarcoma or prostate cancer. This study involves a diagnostic test only.  Earlier diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma or prostate cancer will allow us to work on improved therapies for this disease; which will be the goal of a follow up study.

Selection of Participants

Any dog of any breed will be eligible. Eligible dogs will have undergone a thorough medical workup at their local veterinary hospital. Results from medical records, radiographs, ultrasounds, complete blood counts, serum chemistries, urinalyses and histopathology of the lesion will be used to determine if a dog is eligible for this trial. In addition, each pet owner must sign an informed consent form in order for his/her dog to participate in the clinical trial.

Participating dogs should meet the following criteria:

  • Any dog suspected of having hemangiosarcoma or prostate cancer that can safely undergo one-hour of general anesthesia.  
  • Inclusion criteria include medical history, radiographs of chest, abdominal ultrasound, complete lab work (CBC, biochemistry profile, urinalysis).

Procedures

  1. The patient will have undergone a thorough workup at their local veterinary hospital.
  2. After confirmation of suspect hemangiosarcoma or prostate cancer, the study will provide a PET-CT scan (whole body) to determine the patient's burden of metastatic cancer.
  3. This trial involves a diagnostic test only.

Cost of Studies

Fully funded after initial screening

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