Study Title: Evaluation of Mitoxantrone and Carprofen for the Treatment of Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to determine the combined efficacy of mitoxantrone (an anthracenedione chemotherapy drug) and carprofen (an NSAID) in the treatment of canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. In dogs with TCC treated with piroxicam alone, the median survival time (MST) is approximately 180 days, whereas dogs treated with mitoxantrone and piroxicam have a MST of approximately 1 year. Piroxicam is a human NSAID with mixed COX activity whereas carprofen is a canine NSAID with preferential COX-2 inhibition. Several human and canine studies indicate that COX-2 selective NSAIDs may be more efficacious against cancer and may have fewer side effects. We hypothesized that the MST of patients enrolled in our study, receiving mitoxantrone and carprofen, will approach one year.

Inclusion Criteria: The inclusion criteria for the study are as follows:

1. Dogs with suspected* or confirmed TCC of the bladder with measurable disease
2. NO NSAID OR prednisone use within 90 days of starting the trial (if dog has been on these drugs, dog will likely be excluded but call U of I to discuss eligibility)
3. No previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy for TCC
4. No concurrent disease(s) that would limit survival
5. Signed informed client consent

*Dogs with suspected TCC will be fully worked-up at the University of Illinois Cancer Care Clinic. Once a diagnosis of TCC is confirmed, the study will pay for ALL diagnostics and treatment. If TCC is not diagnosed OR the client does not wish to participate in the study, the client will be financially responsible for all initial diagnostics (clients will be informed of this prior to performing any diagnostics).

Diagnostics, Treatment, and Compensation:

• The study will cover ALL diagnostics and treatment fees associated with the study.
• Diagnostics will include: 1) bloodwork and urinalysis, 2) tumor cytology and histopathology, 3) 3 view thoracic x-rays, 4) abdominal ultrasound.
• Treatment will include: 1) implantation of a vascular access port, 2) intravenous mitoxantrone chemotherapy (4 cycles, every 3 weeks), and 3) oral carprofen (once a day, at home).

For practical purposes and to ensure optimal follow-up for these patients, we would prefer that they live in Illinois or the surrounding states.

Visit the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital Clinical Trial Announcement page at: http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/vth/clinical.html