When your dog is diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma and you start looking into treatment options, you’ll likely come across clinical trials. As an owner, the idea of your dog being tested with something still in the trial phase can feel overwhelming, especially when time is crucial. However, clinical trials can actually be one of the best things to happen to your pup.
How Do They Work
A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates the effects, safety, and efficacy of new therapies, a certain combination of drugs for treating specific diseases, and testing medical devices for eventual use in veterinary and human medicine.
In these trials, participants receive specific interventions mapped out in a research plan created by the principal investigators. Before the trial begins, these protocols are carefully reviewed by two independent boards to ensure the studies are well-designed, risks are minimized, and the potential benefits of the new treatment are as good as or better than current veterinary care standards.
The Perks of Clinical Trials
The biggest benefit of enrolling your dog in a clinical trial is the access to cutting-edge treatments that can sometimes be even better and more effective on cancer than the therapeutic options currently on the market.
Another great point is that your dog will be surrounded by regular care and supervision from some of the best veterinarians and scientists in the field. The ongoing screenings and thorough examination can help ease the uncertainty that comes with caring for your dog at home as the disease progresses between vet appointments.
Hemangiosarcoma requires immediate treatment that often involves costly procedures. For families with financial limitations, clinical trials may be the only way to ensure your dog has a chance to receive top-notch care (and at no or minimal cost) to fight the disease.
Taking a more active role in your pet’s treatment and knowing that you are significantly contributing to new medical knowledge that could make hemangiosarcoma preventable and treatable can also be quite rewarding.
Working Around the Drawbacks
Placebo groups will always be a vital part of any clinical trial to succeed, but of course, nobody wants their dog to not receive the care they need.
As your pet’s guardian, you’ll have to educate yourself as much as possible on the clinical trial you’re considering signing your dog up for. One of the best tools you have to make sure your dog gets taken care of is knowing about any tripwires.
Tripwires can happen in two ways; if your dog’s disease gets worse while in the trial’s placebo group, the study may either pause the participation and compensate you with funds to cover standard care, or they may crossover your dog to the group receiving the treatment being tested. Researchers recognize that providing compelling benefits is essential for enrolling enough participants to ensure the project’s success.
Another concern that stops owners in their tracks is the potential for side effects. Even though clinical trials are closely monitored and designed to be as safe and beneficial as possible for your dog, it’s still possible for your dog to react poorly to the treatment or have a rough time. In these cases, immediate withdrawal and follow-up treatment can be discussed during the screening conversations.
Clinical trials should be considered as soon as a diagnosis is made. Many dog owners do not realize that their pets must be completely free of any treatment to participate in a clinical trial. This includes any over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements sometimes used for hemangiosarcoma to stop internal bleeding. This measure is taken to avoid potential side effects and to assess the treatment’s efficacy. While most trials don’t allow treated dogs, some may require a washout period before enrolling.
Another important consideration is that being part of a clinical trial often requires more veterinary visits and frequent testing for your dog. Even though many clinical trials are conducted simultaneously across multiple locations, making it easier for participants to access them, sometimes it may take some owners to be mindful of travel expenses and keep schedules in mind to drop off their dogs for long hours or even days at the location. While your dog will be in great hands, it may mean less time at home in a normal routine.
Empowering Owners: Questions to Consider
Keep in mind that researchers value participants who fully understand the trial and are committed to it, as early dropouts can skew results. They encourage you, as an owner, to address any concerns you may have when considering joining a study, whether beforehand or during the screening consultation, and to make sure that both you and your dog’s needs will be taken care of. If you’re considering a clinical trial, here are some questions to help guide your research and determine which option is best for you and your dog.
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What is the purpose of this clinical trial?
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Has this been tested before?
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How will my pet benefit?
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Will I know what intervention my dog is receiving and which group will be assigned?
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What happens if my dog is in the placebo or control group and the disease progresses?
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What are the potential risks involved?
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What tests and procedures are necessary for my dog in the clinical trial?
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What are my responsibilities?
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Do I have to change veterinarians to be in the trial, or can I stay with my veterinarian?
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Is there any cost to participating in the study or are all costs covered?
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Will I be reimbursed for medical or travel expenses related to the clinical trial?
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Can I remove my dog from the study early?
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What is the visitation and follow-up schedule?
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What treatment will my pet receive if I do not participate in this clinical trial?
Hemangiosarcoma is a challenging diagnosis with a discouraging outcome, but there are currently over 30 clinical trials working hard to find better ways of handling it. If you’re feeling uncertain about how to approach treatment and are considering the clinical trial as the best option, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinary team and the researchers conducting the trials. They also want what’s best for your dog and all dogs with the disease and will help you weigh everything you need to make a decision. If you want to read more, Charlie’s story is just one of many that shows how innovative veterinary care can make a real difference, giving you and your pup that extra precious time together.
Sources: www.dogcancer.com/articles/trials-and-research/dog-cancer-research/ www.dogcancer.com/podcast/trials-and-research/choosing-the-right-clinical-trial-for-your-dog-dr-craig-clifford-deep-dive/
