1. Clinical Trials
Exploring novel treatments for canine osteosarcoma
treatment strategies. Bone Cancer Dogs Inc. is
also supporting a NC State CYMstudy determining
the feasibility of a novel limb-sparing implant for
treating canine osteosarcoma.
For more information please contact study
coordinator, Julie Nettifee Osborne, RYT,at
919.513.6812 or via e-mail at julie_osborne@
ncsu.edu.
Comparative Pain Lab
Ronnie Coates and his dog Max are part of seeks study participants
a trial sponsored by Bone Cancer Dogs.
The Comparative Pain Research laboratory in
Dr. laurel Williams, associate professor of dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma." the Veterinary Health and Wellness Center (YHWC)
oncology, is the principal investigator of a regional The clinical trial is recruiting participants. is evaluating the use of owner-based assessments
trial evaluating a novel treatment strategy to To be considered for this study dogs must have for monitoring arthritis-associated chronic pain
extend the quality of life of dogs being treated for appendicular osteosarcoma with no radiographic in cats, and the use of a low-dose nonsteroidal
osteosarcoma. evidence of pulmonary metastasis following medication to treat this pain.
Osteosarcoma is the most common canine amputation and four cycles of carboplatin Study participants must be indoor-only
bone cancer. It typically affects large, fast-growing chemotherapy. cats not on steroids or pain medication. After a
breeds including Rottweilers, Irish Wolfhounds, Accepted study participants will undergo an qualifying telephone interview, owners will be
Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, and St. initial evaluation consisting of a physical exam, scheduled for a medical screening with their cat,
Bemards. Tumors are locally invasive and have a complete blood count, chemistry panel, serum which will include physical and orthopedic exams,
high rate of metastasis, spreading to other places for study analysis prior to any chemotherapy, blood work, urinalysis, and X-rays-all at no cost
in the body. urinalysis, 3-view thoracic radiographs; to the owner.
The regional trial, funded by Bone Cancer amputation; and four cycles of carboplatin Participants will then be fitted with an activity
Dogs, Inc., is evaluating the impact of the drug monitor-a quarter-sized device secured to the
chemotherapy.
Palladia ™ in dogs that are being treated for Patients will then begin receiving oral collar. Owners will need to visit the the YHWC th~ee
osteosarcoma. Palladia ™ has the ability to Palladia™ two weeks after their final carboplatin times during the study to complete questionnaires
disrupt the blood supply to cancer cells and may, chemotherapy treatment. Patients will need to about their eat's progress. At these visits, owners
therefore, delay or prevent metastasis, a process return to NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine will be provided with a daily oral medication (can
dependent on an intact blood supply. Standard once each month and Palladia ™ treatment will be given with food) which will be either a non-
treatment for osteosarcoma involves amputation steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or placebo.
continue until metastatic disease is confirmed by
and chemotherapy. thoracic radiographs. At the end of the study, owners and their cats will
"Current life expectancy for a dog diagnosed The costs of Palladia ™ and blood work visit the YHWC for a final appointment to include
with osteosarcoma is approximately four to six associated with drug monitoring will be covered complete blood work, urinalysis, and physical
months following amputation," says Dr. Williams, exam-also at no cost to the owner.
by the study. Clients will be responsible for costs
Until this study there has not been a
an oncology specialist in the Randall B. Terry, Jr. associated with initial evaluation, amputation, and
validated way of determining if a cat is suffering
Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center. every other month thoracic radiographs.
"With the addition of chemotherapy, survival times Bone Cancer Dogs Inc., is a non-profit from musculoskeletal pain. The questionnaire
developed by this study will help veterinarians
increase to approximately 10 to 12 months. We are organization comprised of dog owners committed
determine if a cat is experiencing pain, the level of
currently investigating novel treatment strategies, to changing the outcome of canine osteosarcoma
that pain, and effectiveness of treatment. For more
such as the use of Palladia ™ , to further improve though education, client-to-client support, and
information, please call 919.513.6854, or e-mail
outcomes. Our hope is that this multi-modality funding of research and clinical trials exploring
cvm_ cprl@ncsu.edu.
approach will provide an extended quality of life for the genetics of the disease and developing new
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