We are writing to solicit your help in the recruitment of clinical cases of feline lymphoma for enrollment in our funded clinical trial investigating the combination of induction chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. As we continue to study this devastating disease in cats, we are hoping that referrals made by your clinic to North Carolina State University will allow us to find treatment solutions that provide our patients a high quality of life for an extended period of time.

In cats, lymphoma most often develops in organs within the abdomen. Because lymphoma is a systemic disease, treatment has historically consisted of systemic chemotherapy. Unfortunately, cats treated with chemotherapy have a relatively poor and limited duration response to this treatment, with only 30-65% of cats responding to therapy for durations lasting 6-10 months. Combining chemotherapy with other forms of therapy may prove beneficial in improving outcome in cats with lymphoma.

The goal of this pilot study is to assess normal tissue tolerance of abdominal cavity irradiation following induction chemotherapy in cats with high-grade gastrointestinal or multicentric lymphoma confined to the abdominal cavity as the first step in evaluating this novel treatment approach.

Cats with a cytologic or histologic diagnosis of high-grade gastrointestinal or multicentric lymphoma confined to the abdominal cavity are eligible for enrollment. Enrolled patients must be evaluated by the North Carolina Oncology Service prior to treatment and must be in complete remission following 6 weeks of induction chemotherapy. Patients should have no evidence of preexisting hepatic or renal disease.

 
What is the financial incentive for my client?

Costs associated with the complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and urinalysis performed at the beginning and end of radiation therapy are covered. Enrolled patients will receive a $1320 credit towards the cost of radiation therapy.

Referrals of potential cases for consideration can be called in to:

Oncology Service
North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine,
 919-513-6690 
you may FAX records for review to
 919-513-6669. 
Please indicate “Feline Lymphoma Study,” on the FAX cover page.

If you have any questions or would like addition information, please feel free to contact

Laurel Williams, DACVIM, Oncology
laurel_williams@ncsu.edu,

Julie Nettifee Osborne - research technician
julie_osborne@ncsu.edu,

Thank you for your continued support of the North Carolina Animal Cancer Program and clinical research at North Carolina State University.  It is because of centers such as yours that we can all work together to make a difference!

With Sincere Appreciation, 

Laurel Williams, DACVIM, Oncology
North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Oncology
4700 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27606