So, I've cancelled Sam's surgery for tomorrow in lieu of traveling to Colombia, Missouri next Thursday to see if he can participate in a clinical trial the would pay (yes, almost all of it) for chemotherapy for Sam.  They're testing a new not-yet approved drug called CycloSam.  Yes, it's radio active.  But in the process, I figure we'll learn a lot.  I have to pay for a bone scan ($300).  And if he's a candidate, we get free chemo, radiation, followups and we *may* not have to amputate.  Or, we will know at least how he's going to respond.

There are lots of exclusionary factors and I have had most of them ruled out before making the (2 hour) journey.  So, if you could keep your fingers, toes and paws crossed that Sam can participate, I'd appreciate it.  I also feel that if we can help further medicine in this way....just a little bit...and also get some benefit from it, I'm all for it.

Here's the information, in case there are others in my area who might be interested (http://www.cvm......rrent.html):

CycloSam™ (Sm-153-DOTMP) OSA Study is a study that involves an IV injection of a radioisotope (CycloSam™) to assess maximum tolerated dosage and the efficacy in canine osteosarcoma patients. Patients will receive a dose of CycloSam™ and be assessed by neutrophil counts to determine recommendations for combination chemotherapy. Dogs will be housed in the radiation isolation ward (5-7 days) until their radioactivity has decreased to a level that is acceptable. A secondary endpoint of this study will be subjective assessment of pain palliation.    

Criteria: 

• Dogs with radiographically-demonstrable osteosarcoma confirmed by biopsy or cytology with ALP staining. 
• Adequate renal, hepatic and hematopoietic parameters with no significant co-morbidities.
• CBC, Chemistry panel, UA, Bone scan and thoracic and affected limb radiographs at first visit
• Bone scan must demonstrate adequate uptake of technetium
• No soft tissue or bone metastasis
• No pathological fractures
• ONLY tumors of radius, humerus, tibia and femur will be considered
• No previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• NSAIDS allowed if started 2 weeks prior to study enrollment

Therapy:

• One time intravenous infusion of CycloSam™ , blood-work weekly for at least one month
• Periodic owner assessment of patient’s activity and pain response
• 18FDG PET at Day 1 and Day 28
• Carboplatin and blood work every 3 weeks x 4 treatments
• CBC’s one week post chemo x 4 treatments

Benefit: 

• Owner to pay initial office call, once enrolled study is fully funded.  This includes nuclear medicine scans, Cyclosam™, radiation isolation, weekly follow up and blood work, chemotherapy.

      Contact Faculty Person: Dr. Kim Selting