New Anticancer Treatment Now Available to Canine Patients
The Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services is pleased to offer PALLADIA, a new anticancer treatment for canine patients with mast cell tumors. PALLADIA (toceranib phosphate tablets) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by killing tumor cells and cutting off the blood supply to the tumor. Developed by Pfizer Animal Health, it is the first FDA approved canine cancer therapy in the U.S.
“This is an option that has not been available before,” according to Dr. Jennifer Baez, board certified veterinary oncologist at CARES. “Prior to this, veterinary oncologists just had chemotherapy, which may provide a temporary response. Now, by adding another agent that kills the cancer from a different angle, we’re hoping to offer a survival advantage to our canine patients, particularly to those who may not respond as well to traditional chemotherapy treatments. It’s one of the first targeted treatments for veterinary patients and we are excited to be using it to help our patients.”
Cheryl London, DVM, PhD of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine helped Pfizer to develop PALLADIA since 2000. She says, “At the completion of a PALLADIA clinical study, approximately 60% of dogs had their tumors disappear, shrink or stop growing. Also, we determined that dogs whose tumors responded to PALLADIA experienced an improved quality of life.”
CARES is currently offering PALLADIA at no charge (other than a minor dispensing fee) to patients through 2009. PALLADIA is easy for pet owners to use, as it is an oral drug given every other day at home. It’s important, however, to continually monitor patients for adverse reactions. “We are trained to preempt them and identify them early,” adds Dr. Baez of CARES. “The process requires follow up to determine if dosage adjustments are necessary and to make sure the dog handles the drug well.” The most common side effects which may occur with PALLADIA include: diarrhea, decreased/loss of appetite, lameness, weight loss and blood in the stool.
While PALLADIA tablets are indicated for the treatment of Patnaik grade II or III, recurrent, cutaneous mast cell tumors, this medication is also being evaluated for use in other types of cancer, such as metastatic carcinomas and certain types of intestinal tumors.
For the latest information about PALLADIA, please feel free to contact board certified veterinary oncologists, Dr. Jennifer Baez or Dr. Beth Overley at CARES. The phone number is 215-750-2774.
Thank you for your time!
CARES
2010 Cabot Blvd. West Suite D
Langhorne, PA 19047
Tel (215) 750-2774
Fax (215) 750-3623
www.vetcares.com
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