My dog was diagnosed with stage III mast cell tumors with a mitotic index of 13 per 10 high power fields.  In other words; bad news!   I had the tumor (on his leg) removed and started on chemo.  I also had options for radiation, which I declined.  The first chemo med was vinblastine.  It kept things in check for about 2 months, until regrowth of the tumors began.  We then switched to CCNU and it had no effect.  Next came Palladia.  Initially it shrank the tumors dramatically.  I was amazed.  However he started having some minor internal bleeding (which is a relatively common, and potentially life-threatening, side effect of Palladia), so the oncologist reduced his dose.  Over the next 4 weeks the tumors were mostly unchanged.  But, then they started growing again.  The dr. increased his dose back to the recommended leve, but it had no effect.  He's now off Palladia because of progressive disease.

I would recommend that noone get too excited about this med.  The company wants to make it sound like a wonder drug, but even according to their own drug trials it's marginally effective for a short period of time, and carries with it significant side effects.  In addition to antihistamines and prednisone, my dog also had to have omeprazole magnesium (prilosec) and Sucralfate to mitigate bleeding issues.  He was lucky not to have some of the other side effects, which occur frequently (vomiting, diareahh, lethargy, loss of appetite, etc.)

His oncologist gave me three final options:  1. surgery followed by radiation.  Which in his case isn't really viable because of the location and size of the mass.  He'd likely have an open wound with the potential not to heal.    2.  amputation of the leg.  I wouldn't do this to any dog of mine, but in this case it's even less appealing because of the stage and mitotic grade of his tumor….indicating the high possibility that other tumors are present in his body.  and 3. try another chemo drug….with very low odds of having a positive effect because of the nasty way mast cell cancer builds resistence.

So, considering he's otherwise very healthy and mobile right now,  (he doesn't even know he's sick)  I've decided to let him live out his remaining days in peace and fun.

I don't regret giving him Palladia because it's probably given me some extra time with him.  Just don't expect a cure.

Hi,  I can't find alot of info about the success of Palladia vs. the traditional chemo protocols for mast cell tumor.  My Zoe has an usual mast cell tumor that is growing in her front leg, into the muscle of her forearm.  The options given were to amputate because they would be unable to just remove the tumor due to its location.     The lymph node, bone marrow, and ultrasound/xrays are clear but they did find a rectal mass, that upon needle biopsy showed just inflammation but are unable to get regular biopsy due to its location w/out surgery.  I decided to proceed with amputation and follow with chemo and monitor growth of rectal mass.  I hate to put her through  harsh chemo treatments after all that she will be going through.  Palladia seems to be easier to administer and maybe has better tolerability/less side effects? 

Any thoughts or info would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,  Karin