Phase II evaluation of single agent cyclophosphamide for feline lymphoma
Investigators:
Corey Saba, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology faculty)
Travis Laver, PhD, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology faculty)
Brittany Feldhaeusser, DVM (Oncology resident)
If interested, please have your primary veterinarian request additional information through the UGA Oncology service by calling the oncology client care team at 706-542-5362.
Study description: Lymphoma is the most commonly diagnosed hematopoietic neoplasm in the feline population. Chemotherapy is generally the treatment of choice, and injectable multi-agent protocols are often recommended. While this approach has proven successful in inducing clinical remission in dogs, evidence to support its use as “standard of care” in cats is lacking. Furthermore, the frequent hospital visits, catheter placements, and restraint for chemotherapy injections associated with this type of protocol create undue stress for many cats. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®; CTX), an oral alkylating agent, has been used in cats with various cancers, including lymphoma, and may be a viable, low stress treatment alternative. The objectives of this clinical trial are to evaluate the overall response rate and duration of remission in cats with intermediate to large cell lymphoma treated with CTX. Cats must have a confirmed diagnosis of intermediate to large cell lymphoma to be eligible for participation in this study. In addition the following conditions must be met:
Inclusion criteria:
- Cats must be otherwise healthy and have adequate bone marrow and organ function.
- Lymphoma must be treatment naïve (i.e. previous treatment for lymphoma is not acceptable).
- Owners must sign a consent form.
Cats will undergo preliminary staging tests including initial consultation and physical examination, complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemical profile, urinalysis, FeLV/FIV testing, and cytologic or histologic confirmation of intermediate to large cell lymphoma to determine trial eligibility. Radiographs, ultrasound, and/or other diagnostics will be required as indicated to obtain baseline measurements of target lesions. Once accepted into the study, one dose of CTX will be administered orally and cats will return for follow-up evaluation and a CBC 7 and 14 days after dosing, with repeat imaging on Day 14. Study funds are available to help offset the costs of blood work, chemotherapy and administration fees, and recheck imaging. Owners will be responsible for the costs of office visits and any ancillary medications or diagnostic tests. Assuming the cat tolerates the first treatment well, treatments may be continued, off study, at the owner’s expense. Complications of chemotherapy will NOT be covered by the study.
Duration of study: The study is currently OPEN.
Potential benefits to veterinary medicine: Success of this trial will aid in our long-term goal of identification of practical chemotherapy treatment options for cats with lymphoma.
