woman in blue scrubs sitting on a table using a stethoscope to listen to a grey and white cat sitting on the table looking a t the camera

Feline Surgery Clinical Trials

The Companion Animal Surgical Service at the Ontario Veterinary College offers neurosurgery, abdominal and thoracic surgery, cardiovascular and oncologic surgery, and reconstructive surgery. The Surgical Service also offers specialized techniques such as minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, laser procedures and hip replacements. To learn more about the Companion Animal Surgical Service at the OVC, please click here.


Exploring a Novel Nanoparticle Combined with Light Therapy to Treat Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats

Scientific Title: Pilot evaluation of liposome-based nanoparticles (Porphysomes) and phototherapy for feline and canine solid tumours: oral subproject

Study Investigator: Dr. Michelle Oblak

Surgery may not always be the best option for cats with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) as it is challenging to obtain adequate clear surgical margins and often, the disease reoccurs. Adjuvant therapies including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and palliative options are ineffective or poorly tolerated and do not improve the overall survival rate of cats with OCSCC. We need to make improvements to staging and treatment. PORPHYSOME-enabled therapies can have an immediate impact on cancer management providing better patient outcomes.

This project is part of the Veterinary Medical Innovation Platform aligned with Dr Michelle Oblak’s research chair with OVC and Animal Health Partners.

Inclusion criteria:

Cats with a confirmed diagnosis of OCSCC


Questions about these studies?