5 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling Your Pet in a Cancer Trial

When your beloved dog or cat is diagnosed with cancer, clinical trials can offer hope, innovative treatments, and reduced costs. However, not all trials are created equal, and enrollment is a significant decision. Before committing, arm yourself with information by asking these five essential questions.

1. What Is the Primary Goal of This Trial?

Understanding the trial's objective helps you set realistic expectations and evaluate whether it aligns with your goals for your pet's care.

Treatment Goals Vary

Some clinical trials aim to cure cancer or achieve long-term remission. Others focus on extending survival time by several months. Still others prioritize improving quality of life rather than extending lifespan.

For example, a trial testing a new chemotherapy protocol for dogs with lymphoma might target complete remission. In contrast, a trial for cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma—an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis—might focus on pain management and maintaining appetite rather than cure.

Questions to Ask

• Is this trial designed to cure cancer, extend life, or improve quality of life?
• What outcomes have similar studies achieved?
• How will success be measured in this specific trial?

Why This Matters

If your primary goal is keeping your dog comfortable for their remaining time, a trial focused on aggressive curative treatment with significant side effects might not be the right fit. Conversely, if you're seeking every possible chance at remission, a quality-of-life trial won't meet your needs.

2. What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?

Every cancer treatment carries risks, and experimental therapies are no exception. Understanding potential side effects helps you prepare and make an informed decision.

Common Side Effects in Cancer Trials

Depending on the treatment type, your pet might experience:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• Blood cell changes: Lowered white blood cell counts, anemia, clotting problems
• Fatigue and lethargy: Reduced energy levels and activity
• Skin or coat changes: Hair loss, skin irritation at injection sites
• Immune system effects: Increased infection risk

Understanding Risk Levels

Ask about both common side effects (occurring in many participants) and serious adverse events (rare but potentially dangerous complications). Also inquire about what monitoring will be in place to catch problems early.

Questions to Ask

• What side effects have occurred in previous phases of this study?
• How will my pet be monitored for adverse reactions?
• What happens if my pet experiences severe side effects?
• Can treatment be paused or modified if problems arise?
• Will supportive care medications be provided?

Comparing Risk and Benefit

Consider your pet's current quality of life. A treatment with moderate side effects might be worthwhile for a young dog with an otherwise curable cancer. For an elderly cat with multiple health issues, even mild side effects might significantly impact their remaining time.

3. What Is the Time Commitment and Schedule?

Clinical trials require more intensive monitoring than standard cancer treatment. Understanding the schedule helps you assess whether you can realistically commit.

Typical Requirements

Most cancer trials involve:

• Frequent veterinary visits: Often weekly or bi-weekly initially, then monthly
• Diagnostic testing: Regular bloodwork, imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), biopsies
• Treatment sessions: Chemotherapy, radiation, or other therapies
• Travel time: Trips to the research facility, which may be hours away

Questions to Ask

• How often will my pet need to visit the research facility?
• How long will each appointment typically last?
• How far will I need to travel for appointments?
• What is the total expected duration of the trial?
• Are any overnight stays required?
• Can some monitoring be done by my local veterinarian?

Planning Ahead

Consider your work schedule, family obligations, and transportation logistics. Some trials offer flexibility or assistance with travel costs, so ask about available support.

4. What Are the Costs, and What Does the Trial Cover?

While many clinical trials reduce cancer treatment costs, understanding the financial picture is crucial.

What Trials Typically Cover

Most cancer trials cover:

• The experimental treatment itself
• Study-required diagnostic tests and imaging
• Monitoring bloodwork and exams
• Sometimes travel reimbursement

What You Might Pay For

You're usually responsible for:

• Initial diagnostic workup before trial enrollment
• Your regular veterinarian's fees for primary care
• Medications not directly related to the study
• Emergency care (sometimes)
• Travel, accommodation, and meals

Questions to Ask

• What specific costs does the trial cover?
• What expenses am I responsible for?
• Is there an enrollment fee?
• What happens if my pet needs emergency care?
• Are payment plans or financial assistance available?
• What costs would standard treatment involve (for comparison)?

Getting a Full Picture

Ask for a written breakdown of covered and uncovered costs. Compare this to the estimated cost of standard treatment. Some pets actually receive better care at lower cost through trial participation.

5. What Happens If the Treatment Doesn't Work or My Pet Can't Continue?

Understanding the exit strategy is just as important as knowing what happens if the treatment succeeds.

Withdrawal Options

All ethical clinical trials allow you to withdraw your pet at any time, for any reason, without penalty. But what happens next?

Questions to Ask

• Can I withdraw my pet at any time?
• What alternative treatments are available if we leave the trial?
• Will the trial team help coordinate transition to standard care?
• Can my regular veterinarian access trial records and test results?
• What happens if the trial is stopped early?
• If the treatment works initially but stops working, what comes next?

Planning for All Outcomes

Have a conversation with both the trial team and your regular veterinarian about backup plans. Knowing you have options provides peace of mind regardless of how the trial progresses.

Bonus: Ask About Success Rates and Previous Results

While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding how the treatment has performed in earlier phases helps set realistic expectations.

Additional Questions

• What were the results of earlier phases of this study?
• How many pets have been treated so far?
• What percentage responded to treatment?
• What was the average survival time or remission duration?

Making Your Decision

After asking these questions, take time to:

1. Discuss answers with your family
2. Consult your regular veterinarian
3. Consider your pet's personality (Are they stressed by frequent vet visits?)
4. Evaluate your own capacity for time and emotional commitment
5. Trust your instincts about what's right for your pet

There's no universally "right" answer—the best choice depends on your pet's specific situation, your goals, and your family's circumstances.

Getting Started

If you're considering clinical trials for your pet with cancer, Pet Trial Finder makes it easy to discover studies matching your pet's diagnosis. Our platform provides detailed information about eligibility criteria, study locations, and contact information for research coordinators.

---

Questions about a specific trial? Reach out to the research team directly—they're there to help you make an informed decision about your pet's care.