At the Comparative Oral Oncology Laboratory (COOL), our research bridges discovery and clinical patient care. Through targeted clinical trials, we offer novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for companion animals facing oral cancers.

Active Trial: Novel Targeted Oral Therapy for Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common oral malignancy in dogs. Because these tumors are locally invasive, rapidly erode bone, and frequently recur following conventional treatments, surgical options are sometimes limited.

This study evaluates Trametinib, an FDA-approved targeted oral medication used in human oncology. Having established its safety in dogs, our goal in this expanded trial is to identify specific molecular and genetic profiles that predict favorable treatment response, allowing us to deliver precise, effective targeted therapy.

Eligibility: Dogs presented to or evaluated through the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) with a biopsy-confirmed or strongly suspected oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Financial Coverage: All diagnostic imaging, physical exams, sedation, follow-up procedures, and trial medications required during the study are provided free of charge. Additionally, dogs that complete the 126-day protocol receive an additional $1,000 credit toward standard-of-care follow-up therapy.

Owner Commitment: Administer oral medication once daily at home (chemotherapy handling and safety guidance provided).

Bring your dog to CUHA for scheduled re-checks on or around Days 14, 42, 70, 108, and 126.

Complete short weekly health status surveys (via phone or in-person during visits).

Final Evaluation (Day 126): Includes a physical exam, full-body CT scan under general anesthesia to document treatment response, tumor biopsy, and fine-needle aspirates of mandibular lymph nodes for genomic analysis.

Study Leadership: Santiago Peralta, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, Founding Fellow AVDC-OMFS

Sponsor: Funded by the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.

How to Enroll or Refer a Patient: If you are a dog owner interested in screening, or a veterinarian seeking to refer a patient for trial evaluation:

Phone: (607) 253-3060 (Request the Dentistry & Oral Surgery or Oncology Service)

Email: vet-research@cornell.edu

Location: Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Ithaca, NY