Purdue Just Launched Two Clinical Trials Using Focused Ultrasound to Treat Cancer in Dogs. Here's What You Need to Know.

Something significant is happening at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, and if you work with oncology cases or simply want to stay ahead of where veterinary medicine is heading, this one is worth your full attention.

Researchers at the Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center have officially enrolled their first patients in two clinical trials using focused ultrasound technology to treat two of the most common and most devastating cancers in dogs: osteosarcoma and lymphoma. Both trials are using the Theraclion EchoPulse system and are being led by Drs. Nick Dervisis, Michael Childress, and Shawna Klahn, a cross-disciplinary team that includes oncologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, immunologists, medical physicists, and engineers all working toward the same goal.

What focused ultrasound actually does

This is not diagnostic ultrasound. Focused ultrasound is a directed energy technology that uses precisely targeted sound waves to ablate tumor tissue without requiring surgery or radiation. The technology can thermally destroy tumor cells, disrupt tumor structure, and, critically, stimulate an immune response against the cancer throughout the body. That last piece is what makes these trials especially compelling. The goal is not just local tumor destruction. It is using ablation to teach the immune system to fight back.

The osteosarcoma trial

This trial is evaluating the safety, feasibility, and biological effects of focused ultrasound in dogs newly diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma, the aggressive bone cancer that most commonly affects the long bones of large breed dogs. After focused ultrasound is applied to the tumor site, researchers will assess changes in the tumor microenvironment and immune response before proceeding with standard-of-care limb amputation approximately one week later, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The University is covering the cost of the focused ultrasound treatment, up to $2,600 toward amputation, and follow-up visits. Dogs must be at least one year old and weigh more than 18 pounds to be eligible.

The lymphoma trial

The lymphoma trial targets one of the most common cancers seen in general practice. The approach here involves a single focused ultrasound treatment to a cancerous lymph node with the intent of both destroying part of the tumor and stimulating a systemic immune response. Researchers will compare the treated node with an untreated node roughly one week later and evaluate blood samples for immune changes. All enrolled dogs then complete a full 25-week CHOP chemotherapy protocol. Purdue is covering the cost of the focused ultrasound procedure, all biopsies and bloodwork outlined in the protocol, a $2,000 credit toward CHOP chemotherapy, and up to $2,000 in additional support for managing side effects. Dogs must be at least one year old, weigh more than 18 pounds, and have a confirmed diagnosis of intermediate or large-cell multicentric lymphoma.

Why this matters beyond oncology

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation, which is funding both studies, frames this work under the One Medicine Initiative, the principle that improving outcomes for animals accelerates discovery for humans too. Canine osteosarcoma and human osteosarcoma share striking biological similarities. The same is true for lymphoma. What gets learned at Purdue in these trials has the potential to inform cancer treatment across species.

If you have a client with an eligible dog, this is worth the conversation. Contact the Purdue Oncology Tumor Ablation Service at TumorAblation@purdue.edu or 765-494-1130.