UC DAVIS CANINE CANCER STUDY

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, accounting for approximately 30% of all deaths. Certain breeds have much higher likelihoods of cancer than others. “Tumor antigens” are proteins that can be recognized by the immune system as foreign and result in the attack of tumors by the immune system. Researchers have identified a series of new tumor antigens that appear to be produced in multiple types of cancer very early in tumor development and are produced in cancers from many species (humans, dogs and mice). Vaccination of mice with these antigens can delay or prevent multiple types of cancer without side effects. The purpose of this study is to determine whether vaccination with these novel tumor antigens is capable of reducing the likelihood of cancer in dogs.

If the exams, tests, and procedures show that your pet can take part in the study, then the following will happen as part of the study:

• Screening visit (Day -7 to 0): Do a physical examination, collect and analyze a blood and urine sample, and perform chest x-rays and an abdominal ultrasound under light sedation.
• Week 0: Do a physical examination, collect a blood sample and give the first DNA vaccine.
• Week 2: Do a physical examination and give the second DNA vaccine.
• Week 4: Do a physical examination and give the first peptide vaccine.
• Week 6: Do a physical examination, collect a blood sample, and give the second peptide vaccine.
• Month 6: A physical examination and collect a blood sample.
• Months 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60: Do a physical examination, collect and analyze a blood and urine sample, and receive a booster vaccine.
• Months 18, 30, 42, and 54: Do a physical examination and collect a blood sample.

• Keep all appointments.
• Enter data on the internet using a unique log-in identification and password provided to you.
• Have an established and on-going relationship with a family veterinarian (this veterinarian will be contacted during the study to provide information).
• Cover the cost of the initial screening examination and any additional diagnostics that are suggested by the study veterinarian to explain any abnormalities found during screening.
• Cover costs associated with routine preventative care and the diagnosis and treatment of any medical, surgical or traumatic conditions that arise during the 5-year study period that are not related to cancer.

You may be contacted after your dog has finished this clinical study to collect follow-up treatment and outcome information; this may occur several months to years following completion of the study.

Taking part in this study may delay or prevent cancer development. The information gained from this study will be used to find out if this is a valid strategy to prevent people from developing cancer in the future.

Your pet may experience side effects. Side effects could be mild or serious, including the risk of death. Possible side effects of vaccination may include injection site irritation, allergic reactions or, less likely, the development of anaphylaxis or autoimmune disease. Risks of blood draws, sedation, and urine collection in this study are not different than with any other procedure. Risks of blood draw include bruising or a hematoma at the collection site. Risks of sedation for the imaging (chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound) include low heart rate, low blood pressure, respiratory depression, prolonged sleepiness, and, rarely, sudden death. Risk of urine collection if cystocentesis is needed (drawing the urine directly from the bladder) include bruising at the collection site or, less likely, laceration of the bladder. Another possible risk is that the blood work, chest x-rays and/or abdominal ultrasound being performed for screening purposed may identify potential underlying health issues for which your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic testing and/or treatment.