Feline treatment trial · November 9, 2026
Colorado State tests low-dose radiation for feline small-cell GI lymphoma
Colorado State University in Fort Collins is testing a short course of low-dose radiation as an initial treatment for cats with small-cell gastrointestinal lymphoma. This cancer affects the digestive tract and can cause persistent weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea. Usual treatment often involves giving oral medication over an extended period. CSU is asking whether three radiation sessions can help control symptoms and how well cats tolerate the treatment.
What the study is testing
The protocol, IACUC 8528, treats the entire digestive tract under anesthesia on three consecutive days, for a total dose of 6 Gy. The team schedules rechecks at one week and at one, three and six months to look at response and side effects. It also tests stool samples to study the bacteria in the digestive tract.
Three treatment days are a short course, but there are still follow-up visits. The study has not established whether this approach works as well as standard oral treatment.
Who may qualify and what the study covers
Cats need a diagnosis confirmed by endoscopic biopsy, symptoms for roughly six weeks or longer, and no previous chemotherapy for the lymphoma. The team checks whether the cat can undergo anesthesia. Recent steroids, antibiotics or diet changes can affect screening timing; ask the study team before changing anything.
After enrollment, the study covers radiation, stool testing and scheduled study rechecks. Owners pay for other diagnostic and treatment costs. Ask which screening tests your cat still needs and what you would pay before enrollment. The study page lists November 2, 2026, as the start of recruitment and gives no closing date.
CSU Oncology Clinical Trials: csuoncologytrials@colostate.edu or 970-297-4001.