The Oncology Department at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital is excited to offer Palladia™ as a new anticancer treatment for dogs. Palladia is produced by Pfizer Inc. and has become the first canine cancer therapy for mast cell tumors that is FDA-approved in the United States. The generic name is toceranib phosphate and this agent is the first of its class in veterinary medicine. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, Palladia is considered a more "targeted" agent. Specifically, Palladia is labeled for use in mast cell tumors, which are the most common skin tumors in dogs. Click here for more information regarding mast cell tumors.

In a clinical trial of dogs with mast cell tumors, Palladia helped nearly destroy, reduce or halt the growth of 60 percent of tumors. In certain mast cell tumors, Palladia can "turn off" an abnormal signal that often plays a role in their growth and development. Interestingly, the drug has also been shown to reduce/slow the growth of other types of cancer by decreasing a tumor's blood supply and limiting its nutrients. This means Palladia may have efficacy against a variety of other cancers.

Palladia is an oral anticancer medication given on an every other day basis by the owner at home. Although Palladia is oral and "targeted" in nature, severe side effects can occur if early signs are not detected.

Currently, Pfizer will introduce Palladia to board certified oncologists to expand the body of clinical experience with this therapy. RBVH will be one of the first hospitals to offer this ground-breaking treatment. It will be available only by prescription. Palladia will not become available for general purchase until early 2010.

Since June 2009, the RBVH Oncology Department has been able to offer Palladia™ as a new anticancer treatment for canine cancer. We were one of the first hospitals to offer this ground-breaking treatment in order to help Pfizer gain experience in its use, efficacy, and side effects. During this time, the drug was provided at no cost (minus a small dispensing fee) to pet owners. While this trial period has ended, patients currently on the medication may continue using it at no charge, compliments of Pfizer, until January 2010 when Palladia™ will be made available to the general public. Feel free to contact a member of the RBVH Oncology Department if you have any questions about Palladia™ or would like to discuss whether a pet is a candidate for this drug when it is released in 2010.

for more information
Contact the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Oncology Service at (732) 747-3636.

• Craig A. Clifford DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)-Trial Coordinator
• Rogers M. Fred III, DVM
• Siobhan Haney MS, VMD, DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
• Joshua L. Lachowicz DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)