Image: PetCure Oncology

Clinical Lung Trial Information Sheet:









Terms of the Study

PetCure Oncology is interested in better defining the role of SRS for the treatment of dogs with lung tumors. While this form of therapy is already being used to treat veterinary patients with lung cancer, there are no controlled, prospective studies in the veterinary literature that are designed to truly define the risks and benefits of this kind of radiation therapy for tumors of the canine lung. In order to encourage participation in the study, PetCure Oncology will:

  1. Provide an SRS video consult free of charge
  2. Provide the treatment-planning CT free of charge
  4. Provide the 3- and 12-month follow-up CT free of charge
  5. Absorb the cost of having an autopsy performed for patients that die after study enrollment

Eligibility Criteria

Any dog diagnosed with a primary lung tumor is potentially eligible for study entry. Candidates must also meet all of the following requirements:

  1. A clinical diagnosis of cancer (may be waived if cancer is strongly suspected but tumor location is inaccessible)
  2. Complete reference lab bloodwork is available and less than two weeks old
  3. Three-view metastatic check or diagnostic CT scan of the thorax has been performed (evidence of the spread of cancer is exclusionary for this study, but alternative treatment paths may be available)
  4. The patient has no additional significant health concerns that would impact their ability to tolerate/survive multiple anesthetic events
  5. Caregivers are required to sign informed consent that they understand this is an ongoing clinical study to better define the role of SRS in the treatment of primary lung tumors in dogs
  6. Caregivers are required to follow the prescribed follow-up procedure, including repeat CT scans at 3 and 12 months post-treatment
  7. Autopsy will be required for any patient that dies following enrollment in the study

Background and Rationale


SRS has been used to successfully treat lung tumors in humans.1–7 Studies have revealed that SRS is well-tolerated by the patient, results in minimal complications or side effects, maintains or improves quality of life, and results in equivalent survival times when compared to surgery for patients with operable tumors.1–4,6 Additionally, the morbidity and mortality rate during treatment, or shortly before or after treatment, is lower for the SRS-treated patients than for those treated surgically.

Study Design

This is a single-arm prospective study. Eligible patients will be treated with a metric-driven protocol consistent with the quality assurance practices of PetCure Oncology and PetCure’s Scientific Advisory Board. The protocol has been developed with the guidance of the Scientific Advisory Board, a body of independent experts created by PetCure Oncology in order to ensure an objective, science-driven and collaborative approach.

Contact Information

If you have questions about enrollment criteria or would like to enroll your pet in the study, contact:

Kelli McSwain, R.T. (R)(T)
Radiation Therapist
Clinical Trials Coordinator, PetCure Oncology


