The COP complements translational research efforts through the characterization and use of relevant and naturally occurring cancer models that develop in pet animals.
Clinical Trials are being designed to include pet animals with naturally occurring cancers that give researchers relevant information on toxicity, response, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dose, regimen, schedule, biomarkers, and responding histologies.
The COTC trials are based on collaboration and partnerships between academic institutions, the NCI, and the pharmaceutical industry. To date, ten studies have been completed. The COTC provides a highly efficient and rigorous mechanism for the drug development community to answer such questions and optimize the development path of new cancer drugs through multicenter collaborative studies.