Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency (CASE)
Description
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly aggressive and malignant vascular tumor occurring most commonly in dogs. Dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma have a poor prognosis, with fewer than 20% of dogs surviving 9 months with surgery and adjuvant doxorubicin chemotherapy. Paclitaxel is one of the most effective anticancer agents used in human cancer today, with potent activity against a wide variety of tumors. Paclitaxel interferes with normal microtubule function during cell division and induces cell cycle arrest. In addition, several studies have shown that paclitaxel has antiangiogenic properties. Paclitaxel targets both the tumor stroma and the vasculature, and it has been shown to induce tumor control in human patients with soft tissue angiosarcomas. The conventional formulation of paclitaxel (Taxol) has been associated with acute adverse events in dogs, which has largely precluded the use of paclitaxel as a chemotherapeutic in veterinary oncology. The investigational drug to be used in this study, Paccal Vet, uses a proprietary formulation based on retinol derivatives (XR-17), which encapsulate paclitaxel to form nanosized micelles. Previous studies with Paccal Vet have demonstrated a tolerability profile that is generally similar to other chemotherapy drugs used in veterinary oncology. Moreover, anti-tumor activity in selected cancers in dogs, including mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, and mammary cancer has also been reported for Paccal Vet. These findings suggest that Paccal Vet may be a promising treatment option for dogs with hemangiosarcoma. It is important to note that none of the chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in veterinary oncology clinics for the treatment of hemangiosarcoma have been approved for veterinary use.
Screening Eligibility
Dogs must start treatment within 30 days of surgery
No prior chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy
Dogs known to have a multidrug-resistant 1 gene (MDR1) mutation (e.g., Collie, Australian Shepherd, Long-haired Whippet)
Enrollment criteria
Non-metastatic splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with splenectomy
Benefits of Participation
Participating pet owners will receive:
$1,000 towards the cost of surgery if performed at CASE.
Screening testing, including blood work, urinalysis, chest x-rays, and abdominal ultrasound.
Fully funded, including cost of treatment, side effects, and monitoring testing.
What to Expect
Participating patients will be required to complete standard pre-enrollment screening that involves a physical exam, blood work, radiographs, and an ultrasound. Once enrolled, patients will receive Paccal Vet chemotherapy given every 3 weeks for 4 doses. Patients will return 3 and 7 days after treatment for a recheck of blood work. They will continue to be monitored on study for up to 12 months from the time of splenectomy, or until disease progression.
Interested?
Email: [email protected]
