University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
University / teaching hospital
8 current cancer treatment or research opportunities
About UF veterinary oncology
The University of Florida runs medical and radiation oncology studies through its veterinary hospitals. Its researchers work on cancer vaccines, immune treatments and targeted drugs, moving promising ideas from the laboratory into carefully monitored treatment studies.
Cancer types currently listedGlioma, Hemangiosarcoma, Histiocytic Sarcoma, Oral Melanoma, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Osteosarcoma
Where visits take placeUF Small Animal Hospital, 2015 SW 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608
Current options at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
Open an option to see who may qualify, locations, costs or coverage, contact details and the official source.
Vaccine plus chemotherapy after amputation for canine appendicular osteosarcoma
University of Florida · USA
Currently enrolling
What is being offered: Distinct from UF's RNA-nanoparticle/anti-PD-1 radiation protocol: this vaccine is given at six visits about three weeks apart alongside six chemotherapy visits scheduled two weeks before each vaccine visit. Boosters may be offered every six months if appropriate. Eligibility evaluation does not guarantee enrollment; the referring veterinarian must complete UF's Oncology Referral Form.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Appendicular location; Planned amputation and chemo
Costs / coverage: ⚪ Owner-paid. Owners pay for the eligibility evaluation, amputation, chemotherapy, six study vaccine doses, additional diagnostics and subsequent visits. No financial incentive is offered. The study covers only treatment of a vaccine injection-site reaction, up to $100; no other costs are covered.
Contact: UF Oncology Staff — (352) 392-2235 to schedule an evaluation; Study Interest Form and required referring-veterinarian Oncology Referral Form on the official protocol page; VM-ClinicalStudies@ufl.edu for restricted-medication details
RNA-nanoparticle vaccine plus anti-PD-1 for canine appendicular osteosarcoma
University of Florida · USA
Currently enrolling
What is being offered: RNA-nanoparticle vaccine made from UF-collected tumor cells plus anti-PD-1, both administered by approximately 30-minute IV infusion; hospital monitoring for 6–24 hours after each vaccine administration. Core biopsy is performed during radiation-planning CT before radiation. Distinct from UF's owner-paid post-amputation vaccine-plus-chemotherapy protocol. Referring veterinarian must complete UF's Oncology Referral Form.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Planned radiation; Pretreatment biopsy; Appendicular location
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded. Owners pay standard diagnosis and treatment, including initial evaluation, diagnostics, imaging, bloodwork, and radiation planning/treatment. The study covers RNA-vaccine production, vaccine-associated exams, immune-marker and safety laboratory testing at vaccine visits, indicated urinalysis, and adverse events on vaccine-administration days. Selected cases may receive imaging and/or radiation coverage. For immediate anaphylaxis within 12 hours of vaccination, up to an additional $1,000 of complication treatment may be covered.
Contact: UF Oncology Staff — (352) 392-2235; Study Interest Form / Oncology Referral Form on the official study page
Vaccine study for dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma
University of Florida · USA
Currently enrolling
What is being offered: Splenic HSA after splenectomy; treatment-naive and able to receive standard doxorubicin chemotherapy. Vaccine is added to standard care.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Post splenectomy; Planned doxorubicin; Splenic primary
Costs / coverage: ⚪ Owner-paid. Owners pay the oncology evaluation, surgery, histopathology, bloodwork, imaging, chemotherapy and six vaccine doses (public page estimate: approximately $1,275). The study covers only treatment of a vaccine injection-site reaction, up to $100.
Contact: UF Oncology Staff — (352) 392-2235; Study Interest Form / Oncology Referral Form on the official study page
What is being offered: UF currently lists a canine melanoma vaccine study.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Resectable or minimal
Costs / coverage: ⚪ Owner-paid. Owners pay in advance for the vaccines and initial examination and remain responsible for subsequent visits; six-month booster vaccines carry an additional charge. The prescreening oncology evaluation is also owner-paid.
Contact: UF Oncology Staff — (352) 392-2235; Study Interest Form / Oncology Referral Form on the official study page
Phase II trametinib for dogs with histiocytic sarcoma
University of Florida · USA
Currently enrolling
What is being offered: UF's oncology master page does not currently list this study, but the direct official UF protocol page still states that it is currently enrolling. Multicenter Phase II trametinib study. Published recruitment criteria require a measurable tumor, no concurrent anticancer therapy, at least a 2-week washout after chemotherapy, and at least a 4-week washout after radiation therapy.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Measurable; chemotherapy washout: 14 days; radiation washout: 28 days
May not qualify if: Current chemo; Current radiation
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded — the study covers trametinib, scheduled recheck examinations, research blood/tumor sampling, routine laboratory tests, thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound at scheduled study visits; confirm screening and other owner-paid costs with UF.
Contact: UF Clinical Studies — complete the Study Interest Form on the official trial page; UF Oncology Staff: (352) 392-2235
RNA nanoparticle vaccine for feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
University of Florida · USA
Currently enrolling / limited enrollment
What is being offered: Histopathologic confirmation and staging imaging are required before screening, and UF Oncology must evaluate the cat. The protocol excludes advanced local or metastatic disease and major systemic comorbidities. Immune-modulating medications or supplements require investigator approval and may require a washout.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; No metastasis
May not qualify if: Advanced disease; Major systemic comorbidity
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded — the study covers all 3 vaccine-administration visits, associated examinations and pre/post bloodwork, immune monitoring, supportive care, 1- and 3-month rechecks, and any booster-vaccine administration. Owners pay for the initial study evaluation/diagnostics and standard SCC treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
Contact: UF Clinical Studies — complete the Study Interest Form on the official trial page; UF Oncology Staff: (352) 392-2235
GD2/3 melanoma vaccine + anti-PD1 (gilvetmab) for oral malignant melanoma
University of Florida Veterinary Hospitals · USA
Currently recruiting
What is being offered: GD2/3 vaccine plus four IV gilvetmab infusions; serial tumor biopsies and immune monitoring
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Resectable or minimal; Oral tumor not excised
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded. The study covers the anti-PD-1 drug and study-related tumor biopsies; owners pay for vaccines, exam, staging and other treatment costs.
Contact: UF Oncology — 352-392-2235; Study Interest Form + referring-veterinarian Oncology Referral Form required
Autogenic tumor-RNA vaccine for Boxer dogs with suspected malignant glioma
University of Florida · USA
Currently recruiting on the official neurology index and protocol heading
What is being offered: Autogenic vaccine prepared from RNA extracted from the patient's glioma biopsy; three weekly vaccinations beginning two weeks after biopsy
Who may qualify: Boxer breed
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded. Study covers CT-guided tumor biopsy and lymph-node removal, associated anesthesia/recovery, study vaccines, and research sample collection/analysis. Other visit/care costs are not itemized and must be discussed at evaluation.
Contact: Neurology Staff, University of Florida Small Animal Hospital: 352-392-2235; official Study Interest Form. PI: Dr. Sheila Carrera-Justiz.
A listing here does not mean every pet will qualify. Enrollment can change, and the study team makes the final decision after reviewing your pet’s diagnosis, records and previous treatment.
Have the pathology report, recent imaging and treatment history ready. Ask whether a referral is required, which visits must happen in person and what the study pays for before making travel plans.
