Canine Cancer Clinical Trials
Browse active clinical trials for dogs with cancer, organized by cancer type. Each page lists open studies at accredited veterinary universities — many offering free or significantly discounted treatment.
Clinical Trials for Canine Lymphoma
Canine lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs, accounting for roughly 20% of all canine cancers. It affects the lymphatic system and can appear in multiple forms including multicentric, alimentary, and mediastinal lymphoma. Clinical trials at leading veterinary universities are actively researching new treatments that may be free or significantly discounted compared to standard care.
Clinical Trials for Canine Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs, most frequently affecting large and giant breeds. It is aggressive and typically requires amputation followed by chemotherapy. University research programs are actively developing new treatments including vaccines, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies through clinical trials that may cover all or most treatment costs.
Clinical Trials for Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer of the blood vessel walls, most commonly affecting the spleen, heart, and skin in dogs. It is particularly common in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. Despite its severity, several university research programs are actively studying new treatments including targeted therapies and immunotherapy through fully or partially funded clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Canine Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant skin tumors in dogs, and can range from benign to highly aggressive. They are particularly common in Boxers, Boston Terriers, and Golden Retrievers. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are researching new drug combinations and targeted therapies that may be available at little to no cost through research programs.
Clinical Trials for Canine Oral Melanoma
Oral melanoma is the most common oral malignancy in dogs and is typically aggressive with a high rate of metastasis. Small breed dogs are disproportionately affected. University research programs are studying novel immunotherapy approaches and vaccines that have shown promise in extending survival times, often available through funded clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas are a diverse group of tumors arising from connective tissues including muscle, fat, and fibrous tissue. They commonly appear as subcutaneous masses and are typically locally invasive. Clinical trials are exploring radiation, immunotherapy, and novel surgical approaches through funded university research programs.
Clinical Trials for Canine Bladder Cancer
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common form of bladder cancer in dogs, most frequently affecting Scottish Terriers, Beagles, and Shetland Sheepdogs. It is typically treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and chemotherapy. University clinical trials are studying new drug combinations and targeted therapies that may be funded or partially funded.
Clinical Trials for Canine Lung Cancer
Primary lung tumors in dogs, while less common than metastatic lung disease, are serious and often diagnosed late. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are researching new treatment approaches including immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapies that may be available at reduced or no cost.
Clinical Trials for Canine Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver tumor in dogs. Massive hepatocellular carcinoma, involving a single liver lobe, carries a better prognosis with surgical removal. For inoperable cases, university research programs are studying interventional and systemic therapies through funded clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Canine Mammary Tumors
Mammary tumors are among the most common tumors in intact female dogs, with roughly 50% being malignant. Spaying before the first heat dramatically reduces risk. For dogs with malignant mammary tumors, university clinical trials are researching targeted therapies and immunotherapy approaches through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the oral cavity affecting both dogs and cats. In dogs it most commonly appears on the gums and tends to invade local bone. University research programs are studying targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination treatment approaches through funded clinical trials that may be available at no cost to qualifying pets.
Clinical Trials for Adrenal Cancer
Adrenal tumors in dogs and cats arise from the adrenal glands and can be either functional (hormone-producing) or non-functional. Adrenocortical carcinoma and pheochromocytoma are the most common malignant types and require complex surgical management. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are studying improved surgical approaches, targeted therapies, and hormonal management strategies through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma
Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) is a malignant tumor arising from the apocrine glands of the anal sacs, most commonly affecting dogs and occasionally cats. It frequently spreads to regional lymph nodes and can cause hypercalcemia. University clinical trials are actively researching new treatment combinations including surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies that may be fully or partially funded.
Clinical Trials for Bladder Cancer (TCC)
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common bladder cancer in dogs and cats, arising from the transitional epithelium of the urinary tract. In dogs it particularly affects Scottish Terriers, Beagles, and Shetland Sheepdogs. Clinical trials at accredited veterinary universities are investigating targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and new drug combinations that may be available at reduced or no cost.
Clinical Trials for Brain Tumors
Brain tumors in dogs and cats include meningiomas, gliomas, and pituitary tumors, with meningiomas being the most common in both species. Symptoms often include seizures, behavioral changes, and neurological deficits. University research programs are studying advanced radiation techniques, targeted molecular therapies, and novel surgical approaches through funded clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Carcinoma
Carcinomas are cancers arising from epithelial cells and represent a broad category of malignancies affecting dogs and cats across multiple organ systems. They vary widely in behavior depending on their origin, grade, and stage at diagnosis. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are exploring new surgical, radiation, and systemic treatment approaches that may be available through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Cutaneous Epitheliotropic Lymphoma
Cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma, also known as mycosis fungoides, is a rare but aggressive T-cell lymphoma that primarily affects the skin in dogs and occasionally cats. It typically presents as scaling, erythema, or ulceration and can be challenging to diagnose. University research programs are actively studying new immunotherapy and chemotherapy protocols through funded clinical trials to improve outcomes.
Clinical Trials for Eye Tumors
Eye tumors in dogs and cats can arise from multiple ocular structures, including uveal melanomas, limbal melanomas, and other intraocular masses. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preserving vision and preventing metastasis. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are investigating advanced treatment approaches including targeted therapies and novel surgical techniques through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Histiocytic Sarcoma
Histiocytic sarcoma is an aggressive cancer arising from histiocytic cells that can affect dogs and cats in localized or disseminated forms. It is particularly prevalent in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and Rottweilers. University research programs are studying new combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy protocols through funded clinical trials to improve the currently poor prognosis.
Clinical Trials for Insulinoma
Insulinoma is a tumor of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, most commonly affecting middle-aged to older dogs and occasionally cats. It causes hypoglycemia, leading to weakness, seizures, and collapse. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are researching improved surgical techniques, medical management protocols, and novel therapies through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Liver Tumors
Primary liver tumors in dogs and cats include hepatocellular carcinoma, biliary carcinoma, and other malignancies, with surgical resection offering the best prognosis for solitary masses. Inoperable or metastatic cases require systemic treatment. University clinical trials are investigating targeted therapies, interventional procedures, and new drug combinations that may be available at reduced or no cost.
Clinical Trials for Lymphoma B-cell
B-cell lymphoma is one of the most common lymphoma subtypes in dogs and cats, arising from malignant B lymphocytes and typically involving lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. It generally carries a more favorable prognosis than T-cell lymphoma when treated with combination chemotherapy. University research programs are actively studying new treatment protocols, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies through funded clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Lymphoma T-cell
T-cell lymphoma is a subtype of lymphoma arising from malignant T lymphocytes that tends to carry a more guarded prognosis than B-cell lymphoma in dogs and cats. It can present in multiple forms including multicentric, alimentary, and cutaneous variants. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are investigating novel immunotherapy approaches, combination chemotherapy, and targeted therapies through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive cancer arising from melanocytes that affects both dogs and cats, most commonly in the oral cavity, digits, and skin. Oral malignant melanoma in dogs carries a particularly poor prognosis due to its tendency for early metastasis. University research programs are actively studying immunotherapy vaccines and novel systemic therapies through funded clinical trials to improve survival outcomes.
Clinical Trials for Melanocytic Tumor of the Eye
Melanocytic tumors of the eye arise from pigment-producing cells within the uveal tract or eyelid margins in dogs and cats. While some are benign, uveal melanomas and limbal melanomas can be locally invasive or metastasize to distant sites. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are researching improved diagnostic techniques and novel treatment approaches including targeted therapies for aggressive cases.
Clinical Trials for Melanoma
Melanoma encompasses a spectrum of tumors arising from melanocytes in dogs and cats, ranging from benign melanocytomas to highly malignant melanomas. Location significantly affects prognosis, with oral and subungual (nail bed) melanomas carrying the poorest outcomes. University research programs are studying immunotherapy, DNA vaccines, and targeted molecular therapies through funded clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Multicentric Lymphoma
Multicentric lymphoma is the most common presentation of lymphoma in dogs, involving simultaneous enlargement of multiple peripheral lymph node regions. It is less common in cats but does occur. Most cases in dogs are B-cell in origin and respond well to combination chemotherapy. University clinical trials are actively researching new protocols, immunotherapy combinations, and targeted therapies through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Nasal Cancer
Nasal tumors, including carcinomas and sarcomas, affect both dogs and cats, often presenting with chronic nasal discharge, nosebleeds, and facial deformity. They are typically locally aggressive and can invade adjacent structures including the skull. Radiation therapy is the primary treatment, and clinical trials at veterinary universities are studying novel radiation protocols, immunotherapy, and combination approaches through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is an aggressive subtype of T-cell lymphoma affecting the peripheral lymphoid tissues in dogs and cats. It generally carries a worse prognosis than B-cell lymphoma and is more resistant to standard chemotherapy protocols. University research programs are actively investigating new chemotherapy regimens, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies through funded clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Canine Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer in dogs, primarily prostatic carcinoma, is an uncommon but aggressive malignancy that can affect both intact and neutered male dogs. It tends to invade locally and metastasize to regional lymph nodes and bone. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are researching new treatment approaches including targeted therapies, radiation, and novel drug combinations that may be available at reduced or no cost.
Clinical Trials for Sarcoma
Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors arising from connective tissues including bone, muscle, fat, and fibrous tissue in dogs and cats. They range from low-grade locally invasive tumors to highly aggressive metastatic cancers. University clinical trials are actively researching surgical techniques, radiation protocols, immunotherapy, and targeted molecular therapies through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Sinonasal Carcinoma
Sinonasal carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor arising from the lining of the nasal cavity and sinuses in dogs and cats. It often presents with persistent nasal discharge, nosebleeds, and facial swelling and is typically locally invasive with bone destruction. University research programs are studying advanced radiation techniques, targeted therapies, and combination treatment approaches through funded clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Skin Tumors
Skin tumors are among the most common tumors in dogs and cats, encompassing a wide range of benign and malignant growths including mast cell tumors, fibrosarcomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. Early detection and accurate histological grading are critical for determining the appropriate treatment course. Clinical trials at veterinary universities are investigating immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and new surgical approaches through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common malignant tumor arising from epithelial cells, affecting the skin, oral cavity, and digits in both dogs and cats. In cats, SCC frequently affects sun-exposed areas like the nose and ear tips and carries a guarded prognosis. University research programs are studying new immunotherapy protocols, targeted therapies, and combination treatments through funded clinical trials to improve outcomes.
Clinical Trials for Thyroid Carcinoma
Thyroid carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the thyroid gland that affects both dogs and cats, though it behaves differently between species. In dogs, most thyroid carcinomas are non-functional and locally invasive, while treatment options include surgery, radiation, and radioactive iodine. University clinical trials are researching targeted therapies, improved radioactive iodine protocols, and novel systemic treatments through funded research programs.
Clinical Trials for Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a malignant tumor arising from the transitional epithelium of the urinary tract in dogs and cats, most commonly affecting the bladder and urethra. It is particularly prevalent in certain dog breeds including Scottish Terriers and Beagles. University research programs are actively studying targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and new drug combinations through funded clinical trials that may significantly reduce or eliminate treatment costs.
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