Mast Cell Tumor Clinical Trial

The Oncology service at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital is excited to offer a partially funded clinical trial utilizing Palladia™ and radiation therapy for dogs with mast cell tumors. Palladia™ is a new anticancer treatment for canine cancer that is produced by Pfizer Inc. It has become the first canine cancer therapy for mast cell tumors approved in the United States. The generic name is toceranib phosphate and this agent is the first of its class in veterinary medicine. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, Palladia™ is a more "targeted" chemotherapy agent. The target molecules for this particular drug are VEGFR, PDGFR, and c-kit, all tyrosine kinase enzymes. Palladia™ has also been shown to reduce/slow the growth of other types of cancer by decreasing a tumor’s blood supply (by inhibiting both VEGFR and PDGFR) and limiting its nutrients.

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. The owner will be advised of the particular risks of using Palladia™. The most significant side effects may be gastrointestinal in nature and include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, inappetance and weight loss. Additional side effects include slight decrease in red and white blood cells and muscle cramping. Generally, if caught early and treated aggressively, most side effects are reversible.

The trial is designed to evaluate Palladia™ in combination with radiation therapy for dogs with measurable mast cell tumors. Dogs must be in good physical condition, have no evidence of internal spread and have not received chemotherapy within 2 weeks of the trial. Examinations and measurement of response are frequent during the course of the trial (Weeks 1,2,3,4,6,10,16 and every 6 weeks if responding).

Funded:

  • Radiation therapy consisting of three treatments on a weekly basis (normal cost is $2,800).
  • Palladia™ administered orally by the owner every other day (normal average monthly cost is $700).

Not Funded:

  • Staging tests: Abdominal ultrasound and needle aspirates of locoregional lymph nodes.
  • Bloodwork: A CBC/chemistry panel/UA are required prior to trial and during therapy
  • Exam: Recheck examinations
  • Routine medications: Antihistamines, stomach protectants, antinausea medication (if needed).

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)  *Primary Contact
  • Joshua L. Lachowicz DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
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