April 4, 2019 — The NCSU Radiation Oncology Department contacted AHBC with news of a canine clinical trial. According to NCSU, “after a successful Phase I safety study, the goal of this new research project is to continue studying and refining Immunolight therapy, an innovative approach to cancer treatment.” Please read on to determine if your dog qualifies.
The department is enrolling dogs with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to take part in a Phase II clinical trial using Immunolight therapy and low-dose, total-body radiation. According to Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute, immunolight therapy is “an experimental treatment based on the idea that a light-activated compound called psoralen can be used to trigger an immune response against tumors.” The treatment was developed by Duke University researchers and biotech company Immunolight LLC.
The requirements to enroll are…
- A cytologic diagnosis of stage 3 or greater non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: T cell or B cell, refractory or naïve
- Must have not received other treatments for this disease prior to the study
- Must not receive other treatments while enrolled in the study
- Stoppage of steroid use prior to enrollment
- Must have adequate organ function, as indicated by blood work
- Must be at least 1 year old and weigh at last 5kg (11.02 pounds) at start of study
Study benefits include…
- Free staging tests, including blood work, urinalysis, chest radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound
- Free Immunolight therapy sessions and low-dose, total-body radiation
- Free follow-up visits
To inquire about participation, email the Clinical Studies Core at cvmclinicalstudies@ncsu.edu or call (919) 515-8380 or (919) 513-6453.
You may also find more information about Immunolight therapy and study eligibility at www.immunolight.com. The study is being conducted by doctors in the Radiation Oncology section, and is financially supported by Immunolight, LLC and NC State CVM.