What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are a type of research. They are an important component of all specialties of medicine and help us as researchers and veterinarians to evaluate new types of diagnostics and treatments. Clinical trials are variable and may be designed to answer different questions including is a new treatment more effective, is a new diagnostic more specific, or does a new therapy combination have less side effects.
Who can join clinical trials?
The Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital has many clinical trials underway at any one time. It is possible that a pet may be eligible for more than one ongoing clinical trial. There are often initial tests such as a physical exam, blood work and/or imaging that are needed to ensure a patient is approved for enrollment in a trial. All clinical trials have a unique set of inclusion and exclusion criteria that help the research team enroll the correct patient population. Your pet’s oncology clinicians will discuss standard treatment and clinical trial treatment options with you. It is your decision as to whether or not you would like your pet to participate in a clinical trial.
What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
There are several important benefits to participating in clinical trials. You and your pet will be personally involved in expanding the scientific knowledge of oncology in veterinary patients. Your pet may also receive novel diagnostics and/or treatments, and may receive these services at reduced or no cost. The potential benefits of a clinical trial are varied and would be discussed thoroughly prior to your pet’s enrollment.
Contact Information
Please do not hesitate to contact the teaching hospital and the oncology service for more information on clinical trials. If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, we are available to discuss clinical trial options with your referring veterinarian in more detail.
Dr. Katie Curran and Dr. Haley Leeper
Phone: (541) 737-4812
Fax: (541) 737-4818