National Cancer Institute - Cancer.gov

COTC033: Repurposing Vaccine Immunity to Treat Cancers

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intra-tumoral administered vaccines, when given to dogs with cancer. Studies in dogs with cancer will inform human trial designs to test new doses and effects of this agent. Read more about this exciting therapy here.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

There will be 15-20 dogs taking part in this study across North America.

  • Dogs weighing more than 15kg (33 lbs) who have been diagnosed with a solid tumor.
  • Dogs with mast cell tumor, hemangiosarcoma, thyroid cancer or lymphoma are not eligible.
  • Dogs cannot receive chemotherapy or radiation for 2 weeks prior to study enrollment. 

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.
  • 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:
    • Your dog will be randomized to either receive Shingrix/Gardasil vaccines or rabies vaccines
    • There will be a 1-3 week period in which your dog will receive a weekly vaccine
    • Study weeks 1, 5 and 9 will require a tumor biopsy
    • Your dog will come in weekly for an injection directly into the tumor. Blood collections will be performed at each visit.
    • Consent for a necropsy (autopsy, if your pet dies) is required to be eligible for this study

Contact Information

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