Cancer survivor Jared Sylvester from Columbus, Ohio, has a special connection with Fritz, a boxer-shepherd mix also from Columbus—both were treated for osteosarcoma. Fritz participated in a clinical trial at the Blue Buffalo Veterinary Clinical Trials office at The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine that helps create the care patients like Jared receive. The Blue Buffalo Veterinary Clinical Trials Office (BBVCTO) at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is celebrating its second year supporting studies to improve the animal and human health. In the past year, the BBVCTO assisted with the design and management of more than 30 clinical trials, enabling 300 client-owned pets to participate in studies that aim to extend the lives of dogs and cats through advanced treatments. “Our partnership with Blue Buffalo has made it possible for us to provide support for studies that test new diagnostic tests and treatments across a wide spectrum of pet health including cancer, renal failure, heart disease, and arthritis,” said Cheryl London, DVM, Ph.D., director of the BBVCTO and professor of veterinary biosciences. “Clinical trials in veterinary medicine are critical for identifying new approaches to more effectively detect and treat diseases in the pets we love. They also have the added benefit of advancing outcomes for people with similar diseases.” Providing hope to pet parents The BBVCTO supervises clinical trials involving client-owned dogs and cats. The pets continue to live with their families during these studies with the ultimate goal of finding new therapies, diagnostic tests, and medical devices that will improve animal health. In the past year, more than 300 patients enrolled. In most clinical trials, a portion or all of the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of the patient are covered. Julie Schultz’s boxer-shepherd mix “Fritz” was favoring his front leg; an X-ray showed it was osteosarcoma, the most common bone cancer found in dogs. Her veterinarian suggested she look to The Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center for a clinical trial. Fritz was accepted into a trial and responded well to treatment. A little more than a year later Fritz is an active and happy dog. “We are so grateful Fritz was able to enroll in clinical trial,” Schultz said. “It’s a comfort to know we’ve extended his life and been able to influence treatments that will benefit other dogs.” Clinical trials impacting human treatments Comparative oncology allows pets to take actively contribute in the fight against human cancer. The BBVCTO works closely with research partners at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute to identify opportunities to guide cancer treatments. Jared Sylvester, who was treated for osteosarcoma when he was 21, first learned about the comparative oncology program from his oncologic orthopedic surgeon, who often collaborates on studies with the college of veterinary medicine. “Both pets and people benefit from comparative oncology clinical trials,” Sylvester said. “Dogs and cats have access to cutting-edge cancer treatments and it helps ensure that human patients like me are given treatments that are more likely to be successful. Without owners like Julie and pet heroes like Fritz, all of the advancements we’ve been making in comparative oncology studies would not be possible.” Visit http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/cto for more information about the Blue Buffalo Veterinary Clinical Trials Office and study eligibility.
