Today I took my Pitbull Kona to see Dr Meleo in Seattle.  Since Kona's tumor is a slow-growing sarcoma (leiomyosarcoma of the cecum) we decided to try metronomic chemotherapy .  Dr Meleo has been using a very low dose of CCNU rather than Cytoxan in her protocol, since so many dogs seem to develop bladder problems with long-term Cytoxan use.  This might benefit some tripawds (like Tazzie) who had to stop the protocol due to bladder infections. CCNU has the potential to affect liver enzymes but seems safe at low doses.

We also discussed lung mets and there is some new info on that front.  Pfizer will be releasing a new drug for mast cell tumors (tentatively named Palladia) that may help contol mets due to other tumor types.  This drug is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and some tumor types express this enzyme.  So the drug may help reduce the growth of the mets by inhibiting the enzyme.  It is an oral pill, not an injection but can still cause low white cell counts or digestive upset.  Right now only oncologists have access to it but the drug should debut in late 2009 and then other vets can use it.  Dr Meleo said it is similar to the human drug Gleevac but not as toxic to dogs.  Any of you who have dogs with lung mets might want to consider this regimen after discussing it with an oncologist. There is no proof yet that it will work for OSA but who knows?

The national AVMA convention will be held in Seattle this July.  I will be attending that and passing on any new info that might help our furry kids!

Pam and Tazzie