The AVMA Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry has recently updated its listings with several new clinical studies focusing on critical health issues in companion animals. These trials span a range of conditions, including various cancers and neurological disorders, primarily in dogs and cats.
Novel Approach for Feline Oral Cancer
North Carolina State University is conducting a study (VCT24005841) to explore a new treatment for oral cancer in cats. Oral cancer is a significant concern in felines, often requiring aggressive interventions. This trial aims to identify potentially less invasive and more effective therapeutic strategies.
Canine Cancer Studies
Several studies are dedicated to addressing different types of cancer in dogs. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is conducting the "Scout out canine hemangiosarcoma (SOCH) study" (VCT24005840), focusing on hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of blood vessel lining. Colorado State University is investigating "Dual energy CT to assess bone mineral density in dogs with osteosarcoma undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy" (VCT24005837) and "Cryotherapy for canine mast cell tumors" (VCT24005838). Additionally, the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke, Virginia, is "Testing a new treatment for metastatic osteosarcoma in the lungs" (VCT24005834).
Furthermore, Colorado State University is also exploring "Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition for dual targeting of lung fibroblasts and tumor cells in canine metastatic osteosarcoma" (VCT24005831). This study is significant because it targets both the tumor cells and the surrounding fibroblasts, which can promote tumor growth and metastasis. The Ohio State University is performing a "Preclinical comparison of two hypomethylating nucleosides in tumor-bearing dogs" (VCT24005836).
Neurological Studies in Canines
In the realm of neurological disorders, Colorado State University is "Investigating the effect of cannabidiol, trazodone, and rapamycin on naturally occurring canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome as a surrogate for Alzheimer’s disease" (VCT24005835). This study explores potential treatments for canine cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Another multi-institutional study involving The Ohio State University, North Carolina State University, Tufts University, and University of Missouri is evaluating "Riluzole for canine degenerative myelopathy" (VCT24005839). Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal cord disease affecting older dogs, and this trial aims to assess the efficacy of riluzole, a drug used in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in slowing disease progression.
Other Notable Studies
Additional studies listed in the registry include research on canine liver tumors (VCT24005833) at North Carolina State University and a study on treating severe hyperkalemia in cats with urethral obstruction (VCT24005830) at Timberline Veterinary Emergency and Specialty in Seattle. These diverse studies highlight the breadth of veterinary clinical research aimed at improving animal health.
