Evaluation of Low-dose Radiation Therapy as a Novel Treatment for Feline Interstitial Cystitis

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting felines diagnosed with obstructive Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC).

Enrollment Status: Currently Enrolling 

Inclusion Criteria: A male or female cat that has been diagnosed with obstructive FIC and has been brought in to the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital to receive treatments to alleviate urinary symptoms. 

Exclusion Criteria: Any feline without Feline Interstitial Cystitis, along with cats that have a history of heart disease or those that may not tolerate general anesthesia. 

Treatment: As part of the study, cats will be randomly assigned in 2 groups: treatment group receiving low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) to the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra), and control group that will not receive radiation. Cats receiving treatment will be placed under general anesthesia using standard protocols and closely monitored. Once recovered, the cats will be discharged to their owners after a minimum of two hours. Those that are in the control group will receive standard of care treatment through normal hospital processes. This study will be blinded, meaning part of the personnel involved in the trial will not know which group your cat is in. After initial treatment we will evaluate the rate and time to recurrence of urinary signs over a six-month period. We will ask that a short quality of life form be filled out at 24 hr, 72 hr, 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after discharge.

Cost: LD-RT will be supplied at no cost, which includes the radiation therapy planning, radiation treatment delivery, and anesthesia costs. There are no additional expenses for participating in this study. However, you will be responsible for all costs associated with the diagnostic tests for diagnosis of FIC, costs related to the standard treatment for FIC, including hospitalization, procedures and any medications given in the hospital or prescribed home, and any additional procedures/testing not listed in the section 8 of this form. An estimate of costs for which you will be responsible will be prepared for you at the time of admission.

Contact: Please complete the Study Interest Form for more information; Small Animal Hospital Phone: (352) 392-2235; Clinical Trials E-mail: vm-clinicalstudies@ufl.edu 

Investigators: 

Adesola Odunayo, DVM, MS, DACVECC (odunayoa@ufl.edu)

Marilia Takada, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVR

Background: This study investigates the role of low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) in treating Feline Interstitial Cystitis. FIC is a life-threatening disease that causes difficulty to urinate, or in some cases, urinary obstruction. Current treatments can help for a short time. Our main goal is to evaluate if LD-RT can improve the symptoms related to FIC, and delay or prevent recurrence of symptoms.