ISU to begin canine anticancer immunotherapeutic agent clinical trialsFebruary 28, 2019Iowa State University (ISU) College of Veterinary Medicine is starting a clinical study for a new canine anticancer immunotherapeutic. Produced by NovaVive, the anticancer treatment, Immunocidin, has received regulatory approval in the U.S. and Canada to treat mammary tumors. The study will observe dogs with stage I or stage II splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) who have undergone a splenectomy to determine the effectiveness of Immunocidin in combination with doxorubicin chemotherapy. Sixty-six dogs will participate in the trial and survival times will be monitored. "Treatment options and survival outcomes for canine HSA have remained essentially stagnant for the past two decades," said Chad Johannes, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, oncology). "Additional therapeutic options for HSA are needed and we look forward to learning more about how immune stimulation via Immunocidin may play a role in improving outcomes for dogs." Ten oncology clinics will participate in the trial. To find one, visit bit.ly/2D56wBv and enter AAHSD004874 in the keyword search.
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10 golden rules of cancer surgeryFebruary 20, 2019Surgery plays a critical role in the management of cancer. One significant advantage of surgery is a chance at an immediate cure—after a single session. No other treatment modality can offer that. Here are 10 rules that must be followed to ensure the best possible surgical outcome. Do the math: Surgery is only 10 percent of the entire story. What follows mainly pertains to skin masses, but it applies to any tumor, even intrathoracic or intra-abdominal. 1) Client communication Whenever a mass is discovered, it is important to take the time to prepare the client for the worst, while hoping for the best. Don't sugarcoat things. Don't make assumptions. Don't claim to have microscopic vision. Don't overpromise. Remember, for example, that a mast cell tumor is called "the great imitator" for a reason. It can feel like anything, including a lipoma. 2) Preop workup Even though we typically say you can't diagnose cancer by looking at blood work, it will occasionally show abnormalities, such as infection, hypercalcemia, or increased liver values. Staging the patient (i.e. determining the extent of the disease) is a mandatory part of the preop workup. Before surgery is ever considered, perform three views of the thorax …
Compounded drugs—A literature updateJanuary 2, 2019In exciting times of new approved drug formulations for animal species, veterinarians face a myriad of challenges when balancing optimal treatment protocols and overall cost burden. Compounded drugs may offer an enticing alternative to an approved animal drug in terms of palatability and cost to the owner; however, the legal status of compounded drugs is often difficult to evaluate.
The race to develop immunotherapies for canine lymphoma and osteosarcomaJanuary 2, 2019There are many reasons why development of immunotherapies in dogs has been slow. Although cancer, and in particular lymphoma and osteosarcoma, is frequent in dogs, just one percent of owners have pet insurance; those who don’t are willing to spend only a limited amount of money to treat their dog, especially when initial treatment results are not as dramatic as in humans.
Zomedica partners with IncellDx to help fight canine and human cancerDecember 21, 2018An assay agreement between two companies has been made to identify and enumerate circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from canine cancers.
"Nutrition Essentials" e-book available for free downloadDecember 6, 2018Nutrition Essentials is a four-part e-book exploring the role of nutrition in keeping dogs and cats healthy in the areas of chronic kidney disease, dermatology, obesity, and oncology.
Cancer tech's futureNovember 22, 2018Veterinary oncology imaging has evolved greatly over the past decade, allowing for earlier detection, improved treatment, and more successful outcomes. Veterinary Practice News reached out to three prominent veterinary oncology centers around the U.S. to discuss imaging equipment, promising research, and what the future holds in this important field.
V Foundation announces grant-making program for canine oncology researchNovember 14, 2018The V Foundation has announced a grant-making program to accelerate research in the field of comparative oncology, enabling researchers from human and veterinary medicine to explore new cancer therapies.
TVMA advises pets undergo annual wellness exams to detect cancer earlyNovember 12, 2018It's National Pet Cancer Awareness Month and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) is urging veterinarians and pet owners to practice annual wellness exams in order to address preventative diseases and detect the early stages cancer.
Nutrition's role in cancer patientsNovember 5, 2018Nutrition is always important in helping a sick pet get better, and it can be an essential element of care for cancer patients and for pets recovering from debilitating illnesses or surgery. Cancer and its treatments may alter the body’s ability to tolerate particular foods or use certain nutrients; moreover, clients often have a firm belief in nutrition as good medicine and may ask about or even insist on special diets or supplements for pets undergoing cancer treatments or otherwise in need of tender loving care.
