Clinical Trials Relevant to Canine Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Explore clinical trials that may be available for dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including HCC-specific studies and broader oncology trials that may accept HCC cases.

Clinical trials are conducted as part of veterinary research to evaluate new therapies, treatment approaches, or diagnostic methods. Some trials focus specifically on canine HCC, while others study treatments across multiple cancer types and may include HCC cases depending on eligibility criteria.

This page provides a structured overview of publicly listed trials that may be relevant to dogs with HCC. Availability and eligibility can change over time, so trial details should always be confirmed directly with the institution conducting the study.

Last reviewed: March 12, 2026

Trial availability and eligibility criteria may change over time. Always verify current status and details directly with the institution and discuss participation with your veterinary team.

How Clinical Trials Work HCC-Specific Trials Liver Tumor Trials Broader Oncology Trials Things to Consider Questions to Ask Where to Search for Clinical Trials

How Clinical Trials Work in Veterinary Medicine

Clinical trials are research studies conducted to evaluate new treatments, diagnostic methods, or medical procedures. In veterinary medicine, these studies often involve dogs with naturally occurring diseases and are commonly conducted at veterinary teaching hospitals or specialty centers.

Purpose of Clinical Trials

Veterinary clinical trials help researchers evaluate whether new therapies are safe, effective, or beneficial for specific conditions.

Veterinary Oversight

Clinical trials are conducted under veterinary supervision and are typically reviewed by institutional oversight committees that evaluate study protocols and help safeguard animal welfare and ethical research standards.

Participation

Participation usually involves diagnostic testing, treatment procedures, and follow-up visits, so researchers can evaluate how dogs respond to the study therapy.

Eligibility

Each trial has specific eligibility criteria based on factors such as diagnosis, tumor characteristics, previous treatments, and overall health.

Trials Specifically Focused on Canine Hepatocellular Carcinoma

These trials are designed specifically for dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Listings are organized alphabetically by institution.

Embolization or Chemoembolization in Dogs with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Institution: University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Status: Verify with institution

This clinical study is evaluating trans-arterial embolization (TAE) and trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma. The study enrolls dogs with liver tumors for whom surgical removal is not possible or would involve significant risk. Participation involves embolization-based treatment followed by imaging to assess treatment response and compare post-treatment imaging methods.

View Trial Details

Trials for Liver Tumors (Including HCC)

These trials may include dogs with HCC but are not limited to HCC alone. Listings are organized alphabetically by institution.

INSPIRE Electrical Pulse Therapy for Canine Liver Tumors

Institution: North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Status: Recruiting (07/01/2023 to 07/01/2026)

This clinical trial is evaluating a technique called INSPIRE, which uses electrical pulses to destroy tumor cells. The study enrolls dogs with one or two liver tumors. Participation involves either a single INSPIRE treatment followed by surgical tumor removal, or multiple INSPIRE treatments with imaging and monitoring over time.

View Trial Details

H-FIRE Liver Cancer Study

Institution: Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
Status: Recruiting (verify with institution)

This clinical trial is evaluating High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (H-FIRE), a non-thermal tumor ablation technique that uses high-frequency electrical pulses to disrupt cancer cell membranes. The study enrolls dogs with liver cancer. Participation involves ultrasound-guided H-FIRE treatment followed by surgical tumor removal at a later procedure and post-treatment monitoring.

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Histotripsy for Canine Liver Tumors

Institution: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
Status: Recruiting (verify with institution)

This clinical trial is evaluating histotripsy, a focused ultrasound technique designed to destroy tumor tissue non-invasively without radiation or heat. The study enrolls dogs with liver tumors. Participation involves histotripsy treatment before standard surgical tumor removal.

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Assessing a New Technique to Shrink Liver Tumors in Dogs

Institution: University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Location: Davis, California, USA
Status: Recruiting (from 04/01/2022)

This clinical study is evaluating trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using a novel treatment agent in dogs with naturally occurring liver cancer. The study enrolls dogs with liver tumors. Participation involves CT imaging, TACE treatment, brief hospitalization following the procedure, and follow-up imaging approximately four weeks later to assess treatment effects.

View Trial Details

Broader Oncology Trials That May Accept Dogs with HCC

Some oncology trials enroll dogs with multiple tumor types. When relevant studies that may include dogs with HCC are identified, they will be listed here.

Things to Consider Before Exploring a Trial

Exploring a clinical trial is a significant decision that may involve medical, logistical, and quality-of-life considerations. Reviewing these factors with your veterinary team can help determine whether participation may be appropriate for your dog.

Key Considerations

Eligibility: Criteria may include diagnosis type, tumor characteristics, previous treatments, and overall health.
Commitment: Trials may require repeat visits, imaging, lab work, and follow-up over time.
Travel and logistics: Many trials are run through veterinary teaching hospitals or specialty centers.
Risks and unknowns: Trials are designed to learn; outcomes and side effects may not be fully known.
Costs: Coverage varies. Some trials cover certain services; others may not.
Quality of life: Consider whether travel, visit length, and testing intensity align with your dog’s well-being.

Questions to Ask Your Veterinary Team

If you are considering a clinical trial, discussing the option with your primary veterinarian or veterinary oncologist can help clarify eligibility, expectations, and potential impacts on your dog’s care.

Helpful Questions

Is my dog likely to be eligible for this trial based on diagnosis and overall health?
What is the goal of the trial (safety, dose-finding, response, quality of life, or other outcomes)?
What is known vs unknown about potential benefits, risks, and side effects?
What is the time commitment, and what would participation look like week to week?
Which tests, imaging, and follow-ups are expected during the trial?
What costs are covered, and what costs may remain the dog owner’s responsibility?
How might participation affect quality of life and day-to-day routines?

Where to Search for Additional Veterinary Clinical Trials

Clinical trial availability changes over time, and new studies may begin enrolling as research evolves. In addition to the trials listed above, you can explore the following resources to find other veterinary clinical trials that may be relevant to dogs with liver tumors or hepatocellular carcinoma.

AVMA Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry

The AVMA Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry allows veterinarians and pet owners to search for veterinary trials by species, status, location, and more.

Visit Registry

Veterinary Teaching Hospitals

You can also review clinical trial pages at major veterinary schools, as new studies may be announced there before appearing in broader registries.

Important Note

Inclusion of a trial on this page does not constitute endorsement. Eligibility criteria vary, and trial status and details may change over time. Caregivers should verify information directly with the institution and discuss potential participation with their primary veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist.