Evaluation of Outcome for Dogs Receiving L-asparaginase and Prednisone Dual Therapy for Palliative Treatment of Naïve High-Grade Lymphoma

**Enrollment on Hold**

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently enrolling dogs diagnosed with lymphoma for a clinical research study.

• Inclusion Criteria: Any dog recently diagnosed with high-grade lymphoma in which palliative care (no chemotherapy) has been elected and without other life threatening diseases. The doctors will explain this to you.
• Treatment: This is a double blinded study with a 1:1 control to treatment group ratio. At the time of enrollment, patients will either receive L-asparaginase (a dug that targets cancerous lymphocytes), or placebo as a one-time injection under the skin. All dogs will be treated before their injection with an antihistamine and a steroid. All dogs will receive prednisone to be given daily at home by their owners for the duration of their life. Participation involves multiple study visits, at which owners will be asked to complete quality of life questionnaires.
• Costs: The study will cover the cost of the study related injections and study related rechecks. All initial diagnostics and evaluation(s) are the financial responsibility of the client.
• Contact: The Oncology Staff at the Small Animal Hospital at 352-392-2235. Study Interest Form.

Background:

This is a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blinded study to investigate whether there is a difference in progression free survival, overall survival and quality of life as perceived by owners for dogs with high grade lymphoma receiving palliative care with either prednisone alone or prednisone in addition to the drug L-asparaginase. Both prednisone alone and L-asparaginase are routinely used in combination with chemotherapy and as palliative care of dogs with lymphoma, but these treatments have not been directly compared either alone or in combination.