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Targeted chemotherapy for glioma brain tumors in dogs

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Purpose

To determine the safety and effectiveness of a new chemotherapy drug and drug delivery method in the treatment of brain tumors (gliomas) in dogs.

Background

Both dogs and humans can develop brain tumors. In dogs, a type of tumor called a glioma is one of the most common brain tumors, and also one of the hardest to treat. Sadly, even with treatment, people and dogs with gliomas usually don’t live very long, and there is no cure. Current therapies aim to help patients with gliomas live longer and improve their quality of life.

In this clinical trial, we are testing the safety and effectiveness of molecularly targeted cytotoxins, a kind of chemotherapy, delivered directly to the patient's brain tumor. Developed by researchers at the Thomas K. Hearn Brain Tumor Research Center at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, the unique chemotherapy drugs used in this trial are designed to affect only cancer cells, and not normal brain tissue. Earlier generations of these drugs have been used safely and effectively in dogs with gliomas. Using special catheter tubes, the drug is infused directly into the tumor over a few hours. The drug treatment is monitored continuously with MRI to allow the research team to precisely track the drug delivery.

Eligibility

  • Dogs of any age, breed, or sex weighing between 3 and 45 kilograms (approximately 7-100 lbs.).
  • Dogs with mild to moderate neurological issues, related to their brain tumor.
  • Brain MRI scan should show a single mass in the brain with the characteristics of a glioma.
  • The tumor must measure at least 1 centimeter in diameter.
  • Dogs should not have any other significant health problems besides their brain tumor. 

Exclusion Criteria

  • Dogs not expected to live through the initial treatment because of how sick they are and/or how fast their tumor is growing.
  • Dogs that have received immunotherapy in the last 6 months.
  • Dogs that have received chemotherapy in the last 6 weeks.
  • Dogs that have had surgery in the last 6 weeks.
  • Dogs that have had radiation therapy.
  • Dogs with seizures that can’t be controlled with medication.
  • Dogs currently diagnosed with any other type of cancer, in addition to their brain tumor.
  • Dogs experiencing any other illness or significant health problem.
  • Dogs who’ve had complications from anesthesia in the past.
  • Dogs with more than one brain tumor, or whose brain tumor has spread to more than one part of their brain.
  • Dogs with tumors involving the ventricles or the brainstem.

Study Design

The treatment administered in the trial involves a procedure that delivers chemotherapy directly to the patient’s brain tumor. It is performed by inserting very small catheter tubes into the tumor through a small hole a neurosurgeon will make in your dog’s skull. The chemotherapy drug is infused slowly over a several hour period, while your dog is under anesthesia. The incision is closed with stitches or staples. Once your dog goes home, he or she will typically be able to return to normal activities after a few days.

Enrolled dogs typically remain in the hospital for 5-7 days for a biopsy procedure, the drug infusion procedure, and post-treatment recovery. Dogs will return for outpatient recheck MRI examinations every 2-3 months for up to one year.

Compensation

The dog’s owner is responsible for the cost of the MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed and the dog is enrolled, all treatment and follow-up examinations related to this study are free.

Owners are responsible for travel-related expenses and medication costs associated with ongoing seizure control, if required. Some recheck appointments at your local veterinarian or neurologist may be required to monitor your dog’s health. The cost of those, along with any emergency visits that may be needed to treat seizures or other complications, are not covered by the study. 

Contact

Mindy Quigley, Clinical Trials Coordinator
Office Phone: 540-231-1363 | Email: mindyq@vt.edu

Dr. John Rossmeisl, Principal Investigator
Email: jrossmei@vt.edu

If you need to speak with someone urgently, please call the Small Animal Hospital on 540-231-4621 and ask for the neurologist on duty.

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