Toceranib therapy in dogs with cancer: monitoring cardiovascular toxicity, biomarkers, and assessing antihypertensive treatments

Palladia is an oral cancer treatment that has been used to treat tumors in dogs for the past 10 years. One of the side effects of this drug is high blood pressure (hypertension). The cause for this high blood pressure is not known, and because of this, it is difficult to prevent and treat this complication, In some cases, Palladia treatment needs to be stopped because of uncontrolled high blood pressure. The purpose of this study is to develop better tools that will allow us to either prevent the development of high blood pressure or to more effectively treat the high blood pressure once it develops.

Inclusion Criteria

Eligible patients (any breed of dog) must meet all of the following criteria:

• Dogs must have a cytologic and/or histopathologic diagnosis of cancer
• Dogs must weigh at least 5 kg
• Dogs must have adequate organ function as indicated by standard laboratory tests
• Dogs must be able to return for study visits in Grafton MA as dictated by the study calendar

Exclusion Criteria

Dogs meeting any of the following criteria will not be eligible for the study:

• Pregnant or lactating dogs
• Concurrent use of complementary or alternative medicines
• Dogs with significant liver, heart and/or kidney disease
• Use of any other investigational drug within 1 week of study entry.

Client Benefits

Your dog will receive Palladia at no cost following enrollment into the study, and tests associated with monitoring heart function and blood pressure will be provided at no costs. The Palladia may help to control your dog’s cancer. If your dog develops high blood pressure, he/she will then receive blood pressure control medication.

Sample or Data Requirements

If you decide to participate in this study, your dog will receive Palladia for treatment of his/her cancer. Before starting treatment and at regular timepoints thereafter, we will be performing routine bloodwork and urine analysis, measuring blood pressure, and monitoring heart function.