Enrollment deadline · September 30, 2026
NC State bladder cancer immunotherapy trial closes enrollment September 30
NC State is still recruiting dogs with invasive urothelial carcinoma, also called transitional cell carcinoma, for an experimental IL-12 immunotherapy study. The official enrollment window ends September 30, 2026, so owners interested in screening have little time left to contact the study team.
The study lasts eight days, from Monday through the following Monday. Dogs receive the bladder immunotherapy under general anesthesia on day 1, remain hospitalized through day 3, and return for outpatient checks on days 4 and 8. There is no placebo group. Every enrolled dog receives the immunotherapy, and some dogs may be able to enroll again for additional doses.
Who may qualify
Dogs must weigh at least 8 kg (17.6 lb) and have muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma confirmed by cytology with a BRAF test or by biopsy. Metastatic disease is allowed. Dogs may be untreated or previously treated, but at least one month must have passed since radiation or chemotherapy. Other immunotherapy and prednisone are not allowed during enrollment.
What the study covers
Pre-staging, IL-12 treatment and study monitoring are provided at no cost. Coverage includes specified blood and urine testing, focused urinary-tract ultrasound, hospitalization, anesthesia and repeat bloodwork.