Introducing Palladia (Toceranib Phosphate) A New Targeted Anti-cancer Therapy For Dogs

Kathy Kazmierski, VMD, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology)
Michele Cohen, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology), Diplmate ACVR (Radiation Oncology)

The Oncology Department at Garden State Veterinary Specialists would like to briefly introduce you to Palladia, the first FDA approved canine cancer drug. Palladia is produced by Pfizer; it is labeled for use in the treatment of canine mast cell tumors.

Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumor in dogs. Mast cells are immune cells in the body that respond to pathogens or allergens; they are the reason we get an itchy bump when we are bitten by a bug. The bump, redness, and itchiness are due to histamine, which is contained in these cells. When dogs have a lump that is a mast cell tumor, it may be raised, reddened or itchy. Most mast cell tumors grow in the skin, and need to be removed surgically. Some mast cell tumors, however, also possess an ability to spread to other parts of the body, or metastasize. It is this group of mast cell tumors for which new therapeutic options are being investigated. Palladia is most suitable for these more aggressive variants.

Palladia is a more "targeted" cancer therapy; it aims to "turn off" some aberrant signaling pathways that some mast cell tumors utilize. It also has effects in slowing new blood vessel growth to tumors, and in that regard, may help limit growth of a variety of other cancers. Even though this drug is available to veterinary oncologists, its true effectiveness and potential are still being investigated. The veterinary oncologists to whom this drug is available are still recommending Palladia in conjunction with more standard therapies, such as radiation or chemotherapy, and finding it useful when conventional treatments have failed.

If your dog develops a new lump or bump, please have it checked by your primary veterinarian. Mast cell tumors are often easily treated if detected when they are small. If your veterinarian feels that your dog needs more specialized cancer care, or thinks Palladia may be suitable for your pet, you can request a referral to a veterinary oncologist. For a limited time, the oncologists at Garden State Veterinary Specialists are able to offer Palladia free of charge to qualifying cases. Please schedule a consult with us if you or your veterinarian thinks your pet may be a candidate.

Adopt A Pet Program At Trenton Thunder

Garden State Veterinary Specialists is a proud sponsor of the adopt a pet program at Trenton Thunder. In between innings, a local shelter will bring one precious dog out on the field. There are 71 games per season and itís a wonderful way to help get these animals adopted and put the idea of adoption into play. The fans of Trenton Thunder have been very receptive. To read more, visit www.zootoo.com.