Radiation oncology studies

WCVM researchers are seeking canine patients for several radiation oncology clinical trials.

Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are seeking canine patients for several radiation oncology clinical trials. If you have patients that would be potential candidates for these studies, please share this information with your clients. For more information, contact Dr. Monique Mayer. 

Nasal tumours

The objective of this study is to determine if cone-beam computed tomography acquired with a linear accelerator provides comparable radiation treatment planning to a diagnostic CT scan.
  • Tumour type: Nasal tumour, any histopathological diagnosis
  • Species: Dog 
  • Inclusion: Patient will undergo radiation therapy at the VMC
  • Study pays for: radiation planning CT scan, CT contrast agent
  • Contact: Dr. Monique Mayer (monique.mayer@usask.ca)

Oral melanoma

Oral melanoma is the most common malignant oral tumour diagnosed in dogs, with a high risk of distant metastasis. The objective of the first clinical trial is to determine whether PET-CT (positron emission tomography-computed tomography) technology provides more accurate staging information than computed tomography (CT) alone for dogs with oral melanoma.

  • Tumour type: Oral melanoma
  • Species: Dog
  • Inclusion: Gross disease, no prior radiation therapy or chemotherapy
  • Study pays for: PET-CT, MRI, immobilization, $500 toward invoice
  • Contact: Dr. Monique Mayer (monique.mayer@usask.ca)


Mast cell tumour

Mast cell tumour is a common cutaneous tumour diagnosed in dogs, with a risk of metastasis to the draining lymph nodes. The objective of the second trial is to determine whether PET-CT (positron emission tomography-computed tomography) technology adds to our ability to diagnose early metastasis to the lymph nodes draining the primary tumour.

  • Tumor type: Mast cell tumour
  • Species: Dog
  • Inclusion: Gross disease, no prior radiation therapy or chemotherapy
  • Study pays for: PET-CT, regional lymph node surgical removal, regional lymph node histopathology
  • Contact: Dr. Alison Williams (alison.williams@usask.ca) or Dr. Monique Mayer (monique.mayer@usask.ca). 


Contact information

Dr. Monique Mayer, DVM, MSc, DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
monique.mayer@usask.ca