Lymphoma in dogs: treatment, prognosis and clinical trials
Dogs · USA & Canada
Understanding lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, the immune cells found throughout the body. In dogs it most often causes enlarged lymph nodes, but it can also involve the gastrointestinal tract, skin, chest, spleen, liver or other organs. The exact form matters because B-cell and T-cell disease, high-grade and low-grade disease, and localized and multicentric lymphoma can behave quite differently.
What does the prognosis look like?
Lymphoma is usually treatable but not usually cured. For dogs with common high-grade nodal B-cell lymphoma treated with CHOP chemotherapy, the typical survival time reported in published studies is around 10–11 months. T-cell and less common forms may have a shorter course, while some low-grade forms can be controlled longer. These are group results, not a clock for one dog; type, location, overall health and response to treatment matter.
What matters next
The first useful question is what kind of lymphoma this is. B-cell versus T-cell, high-grade versus low-grade and where the lymphoma is located can change both treatment and prognosis. If your dog is stable, ask before starting prednisone on your own or as a temporary measure: steroids can make some diagnostic tests less useful and can affect eligibility for some trials.
Where are you now?
Lymphoma is confirmed and treatment has not started
This is the best time to make sure the diagnosis is classified well enough for the treatment decision. Ask whether immunophenotyping or other testing should be completed before prednisone or chemotherapy, and check trials that require untreated disease.
Prednisone has already been started
Tell the oncologist the exact dose and start date, and do not stop it abruptly without instructions. Prednisone can alter lymphoma cells and may affect later diagnostics, drug response, or trial eligibility.
Chemotherapy has already started or lymphoma has returned
Keep the protocol, doses, dates, and response together. The drugs already used and the length of the first remission help determine rescue treatment and trial eligibility.
My dog is getting sick while we wait
Poor appetite, marked weakness, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, fever, or rapidly enlarging nodes can justify earlier assessment rather than waiting for a routine oncology slot.
If you are waiting for oncology
If lymphoma is confirmed but treatment has not started, avoid making an unplanned prednisone decision just to bridge a long wait unless your veterinarian feels it is medically necessary. Ask whether flow cytometry or other classification should be completed first, and check trials before first-line chemotherapy because treatment-naive status can matter.
Questions to ask your oncologist
- Is this B-cell or T-cell lymphoma, and what anatomic form and grade are we dealing with?
- Do we need flow cytometry, PARR, or another test before treatment starts?
- Would prednisone or chemotherapy now close any trial or diagnostic options?
How the diagnosis may appear in the record
The word lymphoma is only the beginning of the diagnosis. Useful records identify the anatomic form, B-cell or T-cell lineage, and high- or low-grade behavior when those can be determined. Flow cytometry, PARR, cytology, biopsy, and immunohistochemistry answer different questions; not every dog needs every test.
Changes to watch for at home
Track node size, appetite, weight, energy, vomiting or diarrhea, drinking and urination, and breathing. Fever, marked weakness, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, or rapid decline should not wait for a routine recheck. Remission means lymphoma is no longer detectable clinically; it is not the same as cure.
How it is usually treated
Because lymphoma is usually a systemic cancer, chemotherapy is the main treatment for most dogs. A CHOP-based protocol is a common first choice for high-grade multicentric lymphoma. Other drug combinations, single agents, radiation for selected localized forms, and clinical trials can be considered depending on subtype, prior treatment and relapse status.
What can affect treatment choices
The biggest treatment-changing details are lymphoma type, grade, where it is in the body, whether treatment has already started and how the disease responds. A newly diagnosed B-cell lymphoma and a relapsed T-cell lymphoma are not the same treatment situation.
Tests that may matter
Useful tests are the ones that identify the lymphoma type and establish a safe baseline for treatment. Flow cytometry, PARR or immunohistochemistry may help distinguish B-cell from T-cell disease or clarify an uncertain diagnosis. CBC and chemistry are commonly obtained before treatment, while additional staging is chosen according to the form of lymphoma and whether the result would change management.
CHOP versus LOPP for naïve canine T-cell lymphoma
Michigan State University · USA
Location
- Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center, 736 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
Study details
Current — listed on MSU Oncology Clinical Trials
What is being offered: Randomized CHOP versus LOPP chemotherapy for treatment-naïve peripheral T-cell lymphoma, with genomic analysis. T-zone and cutaneous lymphoma are excluded. No prior chemotherapy or radiation; corticosteroids for up to 10 days may be allowed at the clinician’s discretion. Treatment lasts approximately 4–6 months with visits every 7–14 days, followed by monthly monitoring.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Planned chemo
May not qualify if: Current chemo; Prior local radiation; Indolent lymphoma
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded. Initial consultation, routine bloodwork and chemotherapy are owner-paid except the first doxorubicin (CHOP) or lomustine/CCNU (LOPP) dose, its administration and associated bloodwork. Recheck examination fees are covered. Approximately $250 for T-cell diagnosis performed at MSU is credited after study completion or progression; unrelated care remains owner-paid.
Contact: MSU Medical Oncology Team — (517) 353-5420; cvm.oncoinfo@msu.edu
Official study / enrollment information →
Investigational veterinary product for canine large B-cell lymphoma
University of Georgia · USA
Location
- UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 2200 College Station Rd, Athens, GA 30602
Study details
Open
What is being offered: Large B-cell lymphoma; dogs must be treatment-naïve, >12 months, 10–50 kg. Prior lymphoma chemotherapy/radiation/immunotherapy can exclude.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Min age years: 1; Min weight kg: 10; Max weight kg: 50; Active tumor required
May not qualify if: Prior immunotherapy
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded. Initial screening, follow-up visits and the investigational product are covered.
Contact: UGA Clinical Trials — 706-296-7818; Small Animal Referral Coordinator — 706-542-5362
Official study / enrollment information →
Half-body radiotherapy plus CHOP for canine multicentric lymphoma
University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine · USA
Location
- UW Veterinary Care, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706
Study details
Recruiting — new UW cohort posted September 1, 2026
What is being offered: 25-week CHOP chemotherapy with four high-dose-rate half-body radiation fractions: two cranial fractions in week 11 and two caudal fractions in week 15
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Lymphoma response: Partial response; Complete remission; Prior chemo; Planned radiation; Planned doxorubicin; Current chop; Large cell multicentric stage iii or higher; Two chop cycles completed
Costs / coverage: Study covers radiation, radiation anesthesia, associated boarding if needed, two CBCs, two chemistry panels and two urinalyses. Owners pay CHOP chemotherapy, routine follow-up, additional testing, adverse-event treatment and other costs not specifically covered.
Contact: UW Radiation Oncology — radonc@vetmed.wisc.edu · 608-263-7600; Dr. Michelle Turek / Dr. Rey Chi
Official study / enrollment information →
90Y-NM600 targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy for canine peripheral T-cell lymphoma
University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine · USA
Location
- UW Veterinary Care, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706
Study details
Recruiting — listed as a new study on the current UW Veterinary Care oncology page
What is being offered: 90Y-NM600 targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, with a possible additional dose for response or stable disease at day 21
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Measurable; Min weight kg: 10; Min age years exclusive: 1
Costs / coverage: Fully funded after the owner-paid initial screening. The study covers required subsequent exams, laboratory work, tumor biopsy, PET-CT scans, hospitalization and all 90Y-NM600 treatment costs; up to $1,000 is available for treatment-related side effects.
Contact: UW Veterinary Care Oncology Service — oncclinicaltrials@vetmed.wisc.edu · 608-890-0422
Official study / enrollment information →
Investigational oral treatment for newly diagnosed canine B-cell lymphoma
Ethos Veterinary Health · USA
Participating locations
- Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency, 2972 Iris Ave, Boulder, CO 80301
- Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, 8301 W 163rd St, Overland Park, KS 66223
- Veterinary Specialty Hospital, 10435 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
Study details
Now enrolling
What is being offered: Newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve B-cell lymphoma; >1 year; 22–100 lb.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Min age years: 1; Min weight lb: 22; Max weight lb: 100; Active tumor required
May not qualify if: Prior immunotherapy
Costs / coverage: 🟢 Fully funded. All study-related visits are covered at no cost to the pet owner.
Contact: Contact participating Ethos hospital through official study page.
Official study / enrollment information →
BI705564 oral BTK inhibitor for newly diagnosed canine B-cell lymphoma
Multicenter — University of Missouri + CASE / BI 705564 field trial · USA
Participating locations
- University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center, 900 E Campus Dr, Columbia, MO 65211
- Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency, 2972 Iris Ave, Boulder, CO 80301
Study details
Currently enrolling
What is being offered: Investigational oral BTK inhibitor BI705564
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Min weight kg: 10; Max weight kg: 50; Measurable; Min age years exclusive: 1; Peripheral bcell lymphoma stage ii to iv
Costs / coverage: 🟢 Fully funded after enrollment. Screening bloodwork, urinalysis, chest X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, flow cytometry and the IDEXX Cancer Dx Panel are covered; once enrolled, the study is fully funded.
Contact: Missouri Oncology Clinical Trials — 573-882-7821; cvmclinicaltrials@missouri.edu
Official study / enrollment information →
SOLID-Relapse — treatment study for dogs with relapsed multicentric nodal lymphoma
Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency (CASE) / Ethos Discovery · USA
Participating locations
- Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, 1053 S Cleveland-Massillon Rd, Akron, OH 44321
- CARE Center, 6995 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249
- Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine & Oncology, 808 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
- Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine & Oncology, 10626 York Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
- Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency, 2972 Iris Ave, Boulder, CO 80301
- SAGE Veterinary Centers, 600 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110
- Peak Veterinary Referral Center, 158 Hurricane Ln, Williston, VT 05495
Study details
Currently enrolling
What is being offered: Randomized lymphoma treatment under an Ethos oncologist plus genomic/biomarker sampling
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Prior chemo; Active tumor required; Lymphoma response: First relapse after remission; More than one relapse; Planned chemo
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded. Study provides screening and scheduled laboratory testing plus up to $4,500 toward chemotherapy, exams, diagnostics and medications for chemotherapy-related side effects.
Contact: CASE Clinical Trials — CASEtrials@ethosvet.com; 303-545-2273
Official study / enrollment information →
Aurelius/Lytix oncolytic peptide plus adoptive T-cell immunotherapy for canine B-cell lymphoma
Aurelius Biotherapeutics · USA
Location
- Aurelius Biotherapeutics, 720 Virginia St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Study details
Actively recruiting — confirmed on Aurelius current pilot-study page
What is being offered: Initial pilot study combining an oncolytic peptide with adoptive T-cell immunotherapy for previously untreated stage 3–5(a) canine B-cell lymphoma. Almost all study treatment is performed in Bellingham, Washington; initial treatment requires about three days, followed by at least two later visits approximately a month afterward.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Previously untreated; Bcell lymphoma stage iii to v a
May not qualify if: Prior cancer treatment; Prior lymphoma treatment; Prior chemo; Prior local radiation; Prior immunotherapy
Costs / coverage: Fully funded; Aurelius states there is no additional expense to owners for the trial.
Contact: Theresa Westfall, DVM — info@aureliusbio.com; (360) 961-3529 or (360) 734-0720
Official study / enrollment information →
Fully funded CAR-T cell therapy trial for canine B-cell lymphoma
LEAH Labs / University of Minnesota / Ohio State University / University of Missouri · USA
Participating locations
- The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, 601 Vernon L Tharp St, Columbus, OH 43210
- University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center, 900 E Campus Dr, Columbia, MO 65211
Study details
Missouri enrolling per current institutional protocol; Ohio State enrolling per sponsor with local slot to confirm; Minnesota on hold
What is being offered: One LEAH CAR-T protocol with site-specific cohorts. On October16 the current Missouri study-specific invitation and fresh Web read both explicitly confirm enrolling dogs with spontaneous CD20+ large-cell B-cell lymphoma; the older cached Missouri ON HOLD version is superseded. Missouri includes naive and relapsed patients, >10kg, clinically well, no primary GI or lung involvement, investigator bloodwork clearance, no Apoquel/mycophenolate/cyclosporine/azathioprine and at least72hours off prednisone. It combines lymphodepleting chemotherapy and xenogeneic CAR-T; at least seven visits over21days then longer follow-up. Minnesota current individual protocol remains On hold; its10-50kg and48hour rules must not be generalized to Missouri. Ohio remains enrolling per sponsor; its current institutional index does not name this protocol, so confirm the Ohio slot and local criteria before travel. Missouri-specific eligibility/funding do not establish Ohio or Minnesota terms.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Planned chemo
Costs / coverage: Missouri: study-related initial staging, treatment and rechecks covered; up to$4000 for adverse events and a$2000 stipend for future/additional VHC treatment upon completion. Sponsor describes Ohio enrollment as fully funded; confirm the current Ohio coverage and slot. Minnesota is on hold; its historical stipend/criteria are not generalized to other sites.
Contact: LEAH Labs — info@leahlabs.com; enrollment request form on the official site
Official study / enrollment information →
ORBIT: VSV plus anti-PD-1 for canine aggressive lymphoma
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine · USA
Location
- University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, 1365 Gortner Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Study details
Open and enrolling — Phase 2 VSV plus anti-PD-1
What is being offered: Genetically modified vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) plus anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Min weight kg: 7.5; Aggressive lymphoma
May not qualify if: Indolent lymphoma; Alternative herbal medications
Costs / coverage: Owners pay initial diagnostic exam, bloodwork and urinalysis at screening; after enrollment, study-related visits and treatments are covered up to the stated study maximum.
Contact: University of Minnesota Clinical Investigation Center — 612-624-2485; Canine Brain Tumor Program clinical-trials coordinator Sara Pracht
Official study / enrollment information →
Cellular immunotherapy for canine B-cell lymphoma or leukemia
Penn Vet Comparative Immunotherapy Program · USA
Location
- Penn Vet Ryan Veterinary Hospital, 3900 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Study details
Active - Recruiting
What is being offered: Genetically engineered autologous CAR-T cell treatment for canine B-cell lymphoma or leukemia. Penn Vet's official Comparative Immunotherapy Program clinical-trials page currently lists this study and describes screening, pre-conditioning, treatment and monthly follow-up visits. Primary Penn source governs enrollment status; registry is retained as the secondary study reference.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Min weight kg: 10; chemotherapy washout: 21 days; Bcell lineage and non gi disease
Costs / coverage: Fully funded including initial screening; confirm current coverage with Penn Vet when prescreening.
Contact: Nicola Mason, BVetMed, PhD, DACVIM, FRCVS — nmason@vet.upenn.edu — (215) 898-3996; Mary Beth Boland, CVT — mboland@vet.upenn.edu — (215) 898-5098
Official study / enrollment information →
Smart-Start therapy before CHOP for canine B-cell lymphoma
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine · USA
Location
- Cornell University Hospital for Animals, 930 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853
Study details
Actively recruiting on Cornell's current canine clinical-trials roster
What is being offered: Tumor-biology-selected pre-treatment drug followed by standard-of-care CHOP chemotherapy
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Planned chemo
May not qualify if: Prior local radiation; Prior immunotherapy
Costs / coverage: Study-specific tests and procedures have no extra owner cost. Cornell provides a 10% discount on standard-of-care chemotherapy visits and $1,000 toward chemotherapy costs; routine care not performed specifically for the study remains owner-paid.
Contact: Cornell Oncology / Clinical Trials Coordinator — 607-253-3060; vet-research@cornell.edu
Official study / enrollment information →
HIFU tumor ablation followed by CHOP for canine multicentric lymphoma
Purdue University Veterinary Hospital — Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center · USA
Location
- Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, 625 Harrison St, West Lafayette, IN 47907
Study details
Currently enrolling
What is being offered: Partial HIFU ablation of one lymph node followed by standard UW-25 CHOP chemotherapy
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Min age years: 1; Untreated newly diagnosed; Intermediate or large cell multicentric lymphoma; Planned chop; Min weight kg exclusive: 8
May not qualify if: Small cell lymphoma; Stage v lymphoma; Extranodal lymphoma; Recent chemotherapy 3w; Recent steroids 2w; Significant liver or kidney dysfunction; Relapsed lymphoma
Costs / coverage: 🟡 Partially funded — HIFU, sedation/anesthesia, study biopsies and laboratory work are covered; the study provides a $2,000 CHOP credit and up to $2,000 additional support for HIFU-related adverse effects or CHOP. Initial diagnostics and unrelated care remain owner-paid.
Contact: Purdue Tumor Ablation Lab — TumorAblation@purdue.edu; referral required through Purdue Veterinary Hospital
Official study / enrollment information →
HIFU followed by doxorubicin for canine nodal lymphoma
VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital · USA
Location
- VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital, 17727 Dallas Parkway, Suite 150, Dallas, TX 75287, Dallas, TX 75287
Study details
Currently enrolling
What is being offered: HIFU treatment of a targeted lymph node followed from day 8 by five doxorubicin chemotherapy treatments
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Planned doxorubicin; Prescapular or popliteal nodal lymphoma
Costs / coverage: Study-related medical imaging, bloodwork, HIFU treatment and five doxorubicin chemotherapy treatments are sponsor-covered. Coverage of initial outside diagnostics, travel and unrelated care is not stated.
Contact: VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital: 972-267-8300. Investigators listed on the official protocol: Zachary Wright and Rachel Kovac. Apply through the official StudyPages protocol page.
Official study / enrollment information →
Daunomustine chemotherapy for treatment-naive canine multicentric lymphoma
University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital · USA
Location
- University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 1008 W Hazelwood Dr, Urbana, IL 61802
Study details
Currently listed as a funded canine lymphoma study by the University of Illinois
What is being offered: Up to five intravenous daunomustine doses every 14 days, with response-guided within-patient dose escalation and examinations/bloodwork seven days after treatment. A single L-asparaginase dose may be added for dogs not in complete remission. Dogs with progressive disease leave the trial and are offered standard care. Long-term visits follow the treatment course. Initial eligibility testing and unrelated care remain owner-paid; participation does not guarantee response.
Who may qualify: Confirmed cancer diagnosis required; Active tumor required; Min age years: 1; Min weight kg: 4; Lymphoma response: Newly diagnosed / untreated; Multicentric peripheral node lymphoma
May not qualify if: Prior chemo; Prior steroids; Indolent lymphoma; Small cell lymphoma
Costs / coverage: Study treatment and study visits are fully funded after eligibility is established. Owners pay the initial examination and eligibility diagnostics, unrelated care and uncovered adverse-event costs. The consultation is approximately $250, excluding diagnostics, medication and treatment. Partial adverse-event funding is available for care at Illinois. A $1,000 Illinois hospital credit is provided after completion or removal for stable/progressive disease.
Contact: Rebecca Kamerer — rmoss81@illinois.edu; 217-300-6453. Oncology appointments: 217-333-5300.
Official study / enrollment information →
