National Cancer Institute - Cancer.gov

COTC027: Preclinical comparison of two hypomethylating nucleosides in tumor-bearing dogs

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate two new chemotherapy drugs, TdCyd and AzaTdC, that are being developed for people with cancer. Many cancers can “turn off” genes that slow down or stop cell growth, allowing the cancer to grow in the body. These drugs act to prevent the genes from being turned off, which helps prevent the growth of cancer.

Recent data indicates that these drugs may affect the immune system. To better understand whether this is true, as well as to establish a complete safety profile, this trial will monitor dogs as they receive one of the two medications for any side effects, as well as evaluate their immune function before, during, and after treatment.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

There will be up to 60 dogs taking part in this study across North America.

  • Dogs weighing more than 15kg (33 lbs) who have been diagnosed with lymphoma, carcinoma, or melanoma.
  • Patients can have received other treatment, but will need to stop treatment up to two weeks before the study.

Study Details

  • Before your pet begins the study, your pet will need to have the following tests and/or procedures to find out if he/she can be in the study: bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-rays, and abdominal ultrasound. If a diagnosis has not been made, additional diagnostic tests such as a fine needle aspirate may be required to determine a diagnosis. These tests are routinely performed prior to considering treatment for dogs with cancer.
  • If the exams, tests, and procedures show that your pet can take part in the study, and you choose to enroll them, then the following will happen as part of the study:
    • Blood work and a biopsy of your pet’s tumor will be taken before any treatment with the medication.
    • Your pet will take of the two medications (TdCyd or AzaTdCyd) for two weeks, followed by one week of rest where your pet does not take the medication.
    • During the first two weeks, your pet will return on Days 8 and 12 for bloodwork and a tumor biopsy.
    • On Day 15, your pet will return for an examination and blood work ensure it is doing well.
    • On Day 22, your pet’s cancer will be evaluated by examination, chest x-rays, and abdominal ultrasound. Blood samples will also be collected to check your pet for any side effects from the medication.
    • If your pet’s cancer is responding to the medication or if it has not grown, your pet may receive another two weeks of treatment with the same medication.
    • Similar procedures will occur on Days 8, 10, 15, and 22 of the 2nd cycle.

Contact Information

Please contact the nearest study site if you’re interested in seeing if your dog is eligible to participate.