New Drug Administration Option Improves Treatment Success and Decreases Side Effects
MAF Successful Outcome:
Conventional chemotherapy drugs only modestly improve cancer survival rates, but many cause notable side effects. Metronomic therapy, a novel method of administering chemotherapy that involves frequent, low-level doses of chemotherapy rather than higher doses given at longer intervals, may improve treatment response and decrease side effects. Researchers studied whether metronomic dosing of the drug cyclophosphamide is safe and effective in treating dogs with soft-tissue sarcomas. Twelve dogs were enrolled in the study and all but two (which experienced tumor growth and were removed to pursue other treatment options) successfully completed the treatment protocol.
Though they are still analyzing the final data, scientists have seen encouraging results, including a decrease in the blood supply to the tumor in the treated dogs and no tumor growth in eight of the 10 dogs treated during the four-week study period. Another important finding was that none of the dogs experienced significant side effects, such as the vomiting, diarrhea or low white blood cell counts frequently seen with conventional chemotherapy. The researchers are completing data analysis and preparing a manuscript for publication later in 2010. Results of this study indicate that metronomic chemotherapy could significantly decrease side effects and may increase survival rates of dogs with cancer.
Morris Animal Foundation’s funding also enabled the lead researcher to support a Merck-Merial veterinary student scholar in her laboratory. The study also served as the primary resident project for a student completing an oncology residency and master’s degree.
Posted by MAFon October 11, 2010.
Categories: Animal health, Canine cancer , Dog cancer
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