No one likes to hear the "C" word - cancer. But today the news is good. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it has approved the first canine cancer therapy in the US. The drug is called Palladiatm (toceranib phosphate) and it is used for treatment of Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) in dogs.
"In the weeks and months ahead, Pfizer will introduce Palladia to boarded specialists to expand the body of clinical experience with this new therapy. The experience gained during this time will enable us to support veterinarians more effectively when we make the product available for purchase in early 2010," said George Fennell, vice president, Companion Animal Division, Pfizer Animal Health. Full article
Mast cells are produced in the bone marrow and found in connective tissues. They are part of the immune system and release histamine in response to parasites, allergens or trauma. (For example, squeezing this type of tumor can cause it to enlarge in size.) Mast cell tumors are a common skin tumor in dogs and cats, but can be found anywhere in the body. Clinical appearance can vary greatly: raised, hairless, soft, firm, ulcerated, etc., so a fine needle aspirate or biopsy is required for positive diagnosis. A tissue biopsy is needed to stage (grade) the tumor.
Because of the unpredictable nature of this tumor, malignancy is usually assumed until proven otherwise. Wide margins must be obtained when removing these tumors. Lymph nodes and spleen should also be evaluated. MCTs are classified as Grade I, II or III. Grade III is the most severe. Between 7 and 21% of all canine skin tumors are mast cell tumors.1
According to the Morris Animal Foundation, 1 in 4 dogs die of cancer. News of this new treatment is encouraging for this common and potentially serious form of cancer. Hopefully this will open the doors for additional anti-cancer therapies in the near future.
Updates to this story
- April 12, 2011: To learn more about Palladia and your pet, find a veterinary oncologist in your area to discuss case specifics and drug availability.
- December 27, 2010: Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine is investigating the use of Palladia™ for nasal carcinomas in dogs.
Related Stories in the News:
- First Drug to Treat Cancer in Dogs Approved
From the FDA - Palladia approval summary (PDF)
From the FDA - FDA approves Pfizer cancer drug for dogs
From Reuters - FDA approves cancer drug for dogs
From msnbc.com - FDA approves drug to treat cancer in dogs
From United Press International (UPI)
More about Mast Cell Tumors:
- Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) Canine and Feline information
From Veterinary Partner - Cytological lymph node evaluation in dogs with mast cell tumours: association with grade and survival
From PubMed
More about Lumps and Bumps:
Reference: 1Mast Cell Tumor Incidence - Veterinary Partner
Photo: Mast Cell Tumor On The Side Of A 3 Year Old Boxer dog © Joel Mills
Comments
I lost my best friend Max to this type of cancer
I lost my best friend Sam to this disease on Jan 15, 2009. It took 3 years, but he didn’t suffer and when it was his time, I knew and he knew. Still makes me tear up. He was my “once in a lifetime dog”!
My Boxer is fighting this cancer as we speak and we are trying everything possible since she is only 7 years old. So far, she is doing well…
Our dog was diagnosed with an oral melanoma and a mast cell tumour a month ago. Fortunately, they were caught early and removed. It resulted in a mandibulectomy which means he lost half his lower jaw but he is doing great. His lymph node in his neck was also removed as a precaution and came back negative for disease. 2 weeks on after bursting his mouth sutures the first week after surgery, he is doing amazingly. He is going to be receiving this or a very similar vaccine here in the UK, hopefully within a few weeks, just incase any cells managed to break off and travel. I wish everyone who comes into contact with this drug the best of luck for their canine friends
My dog just had a Grade 1 mast cell tumor removed. I am hopeful that if it reoccurs, there will be a chance that he can have a long life after all.
My Samson has been going through chemo treatment for a mast cell tumor, grade III since Jan. 2009.
Chemo wasn’t doing much but Sam seems to be responding to the new drug Palladia. I am hopeful that we can beat this. He is only 4-1/2 years old.
I keep him on a high protein, low carb diet.
My dog has malignant melanoma which was discovered at Stage II. She had surgery to remove it, had a full course of the melanoma vaccine, and now we are starting on Palladia. Maybe it will help her.
Our 10 year old lab mix was diagnosed january 2008 with a high grade sarcoma. The vet removed a 7# tumor and we chose not to have chemo as he was not given much time. Reese cup is still with us today. He was diagnosed again in March with only 6 weeks to live. He certainly isn’t ready to leave us and we will be heartbroken when the time comes. I immediately changed his food to a holistic dog food and feel this has helped him a great deal. I love my dog like one of my kids and want to do whatever I can to help him.
Labs are the greatest! My yellow lab has a soft tissue sarcoma. Best advice. Keep that immune system in good shape. Stay away from carbs and sugar – cancer foods. IP6 is good. Modified citrus pectin sticks to cancer cells and keeps metastasis from occurring.
I hope that helps!
Is Palladia available in South Africa. Need urgently for our dog child.
Hello
You would need to check with your veterinarian on Palladia availability. It is on limited availability in the US (veterinary oncologists and internal medicine specialists), and I am not sure about international availability at this time.
This drug only works for a specific type of cancer called a Mast Cell Tumor (MCT).
I hope your dog can receive the necessary treatment(s) for the type of cancer that was diagnosed.
Our beloved Lab has just been diagnosed with the recurrence of MCT – blotches on the spleen and enlarged lymph nodes. Our oncology team at VCA is so loving and helpful and we just started the Palladia drug, along with Benadryl, Pepcid AC and Carafate. We realized we can only hope and pray these next few days, but after so much love, fun, swimming and ball play, we feel so blessed for each and every moment we have together. I really thank the drs and staff for giving us this chance with this new drug and look forward to hearing that many families find it successful. Lets all be supportive of canine cancer research!
and our 10 yr old exuberant lab mix has stage 3 mast cell…just started prednisone/benadryl/pepcid today with plans to add Palladia next week. I know the prognosis is not good and I am devastated but, like others,am more conscious of gratefully savoring every healthy moment she has.
I lost my Boxer to Mast Cell in Jan of 2008. He was diaganosed in October of 2007. Needless to say I did everything possible but it didn’t matter how much love and money I invested, this was a horrible cancer. I am thrilled something had been discovered. I will always have Boxers, but unfortunatley they are prone to Cancer. Hopefully I never have to go through this again, but if I do, I’m glad that there might be some hope now.
The love of my life Roxy, my american bulldog has just had her 6th MCT removed. The first was last January. Fortunately so far they all have been stage 1 and 2. I understand you cannot get the Pallaida until they are diganosed with a stage 3. Does anyone know an oncolgist in the South Jersey or South Florida Area where they will use palladia on a stage 1 and 2 Bulldog with reaccuring MCT. Also should she be on benedryl? I would appreciate your help, this is my once in a life time best friend.
My boxer Daphne has this. Had one large tumor removed in August, but since they have re-surfaced in many places. She started Palladia today. Fingers crossed and giving her as much love as possible. Makes me sad to see the other comments here of people that lost their buddies. I’m really trying to savor every moment with her. I hope this Palladia really helps a lot of dogs.
Our dear shepard/dobie mix has had two operations in the past 5 mo. mct on her throat. Took predisone, pepcid & benedryl now on Pallidia for 2 mo. Cancer back but maybe drugs will slow it down. Energy is down but still eats well. This drug only works in about 80% of cases,sadly our dog is in the 20% that it isn’t working.
My dog Annie was diagnosed with cancer in May 2009 and was told there was not much I could do as it was an aggressive cancer in the throat area, however another veterian reffrred me to an octologist and she has since had radiation therapy and the new drug palladia, so far the mast tumor has shrunk, however did not get her treatmnet until late october so hoping all goes well
Our sweet little Cockapoo is being treated with Palladia for a anal sac tumor that has spread to the nearest lymph node. It’s a toss of the dice, but we have our fingers crossed.
I have a female boxer (Nadia) she is about to turn 6 in January. We just found out that she has stage 2 or 3 MCT…We go to a specialist Monday to figure out how much it has spread, if any & exactly what stage she’s in. She has 3 tumors in her front right let (one of which is in the midlde of her paw, I was told the only way to operate is to amputate) & 1 in her right back leg. I know that Pfizer has not said an exact price for Palladia but, I am wondering if anyone has heard any kind of number? I’ve only heard one & it was $5,000.00 for 28 pills. Is this way off?? Thanks & good luck to all who have animals batteling this disease!
One More Thing: I was also told to put my dog on a special food diet..the problem is I have been told 2 or 3 different kinds to put her on. Can anyone give me advice on this ?? Thanks again for you help.
To Cindy Fletcher – Coral Springs Animal Hospital has Palladia
Thanks everyone for your comments. It helps me a lot. My mini poodle has been diagnosed with mast cell tumor3. He is on benedryl, peptic acid, and predisone. He will start on palladia next week. He had surgery to remove tumor in October, surgery went good, and healed quickly. I’m hoping this new drug will be the answer for many more years to his life. He is doing fine so far. I love him so much as I know all of you feel the same about yours. He is just like my child. I want to wish the very best to all of you.
Can someone give me info on a recommended diet for dogs diagnosed with mast cell tumors?
Just got an estimate for Palladia for my dog. He weighs 70lbs and it will cost us about $800/month. Plus regular blood tests, etc – so around $1K/month for a chronic treatment… Does anyone else have numbers for comparison?
Anyone have luck with treating Squamous Cell?
My cat has it and I desperately want to help her
My 7 year old lab had a stage II mast cell tumor removed from him right hind leg. Though the surgeon used large margins, they still were not able to get all the cancer. The vet proposed radiation 5X a week for 4 weeks. Every radiation treatment will require sedation which I fear will be very traumatic for him. The cost is nearly 7K total and the radiation apparently only increased his survival rate by 25%. I’ve read about Palladia and asked my doctor about it but he said Duke’s cancer isn’t ‘advanced enough’. Taking a pill each day with few side effects seems much more humane than dragging him of to the vet every day. I will do anything for my baby but want to make sure I explore all options. Any input would be greatly appreciate.
I have read through all the postings but I am unfortanatley do not see any follow ups to gage the success of the drug “paladia.” Our doggie Gus was diagnosed with MCT Thanksgiving 2009. The skin tumor was removed but was stage III. We did get him into chemo and but it did not have any positive results. His organs are still functioning well…but he is on prednisone, tramadol, bennadryl, and pepcid AC. He is a champ and I did not mention a “Katrina Survivor!” My wife adopted him in Florida. Even though this MCT is throughout his system, he is a champ and we’re hoping for him to have a few more quality months of life with us.
Hello, our dog, Jayden was diagnosed with MCT last month. She is a 4yo Golden Retriever. We were quoted $3000 just to remove her tumor. It is on her leg and it will require skin grafts. I am afraid to invest so much money because I have heard there is a 50% it will come back and $3000 is already out of our budget. But I HATE to leave her untreated. I was told of the Palladia but that also sounds expensive. She is only 4 and she has a great quality of life. The prednisone she is on right now tho is making her extremely thirsty, and hungry, and she has gained weight. And her blood work shows that it is affecting her liver slightly. We are leaning towards the surgery, but if we cant pull the money together I worried about what would happen to her. Does anyone know someone who could not treat a MCT with surgery?
Can you give vitamins and herbs while on Palladia?
Re: Lena, thank you for posting about the Palladia, we are waiting to hear from the doctor about the quote, what country state do you live if you don’t mind me asking. We are in BC, Canada, and they have not approved it here yet. Our dog is just under 70 pounds so this is very helpful. So far our specialists charge double that Vets in Washington state. If anyone has any more info on Palladia that would be great!
In NY Palladia costs around $50 US for 10 pills?
Dont hold me to that though. I will find out next week
Our 5 year old Vizsla was diagnosed with stage 3 Mastcell tumor in his oral cavity in March of 2008. We chose to do radical surgery and removed part of his upper yaw. We followed with 20 radiation (that was hell!!) to the tumor site and to the Lymphnodes, and after that Chemo. He developed 4 more tumors(stage2) under the skin and they were removed by our Veterinarian. In September 2009 we found a very large tumor in the back of his throat. Luckily there was Palladia now (70mg) every other day and after 1 week the tumor had shrunk by 30% and after one month the tumor was gone.It is now February of 2010 and our dog seems happy and healthy.He has to take 60mg of Palladia 3 times a week, takes Benadryl 2x a day, Prilosec once a day plus Meds to coat his stomach and unsweetened Pumpkin 2X a day.
my 71/2 yr old sharpei has had 4inches of skin removed on left hind leg with bleeding melanoma.as surgery is all the vet had to offer i didnt think it feasible to keep ’scalping’ him and am relying on homeopathy.so far in 2 weeks the growths seem to have been arrested. i am very encouraged and positive.
My dog is only 8 yrs. old and had surgery to remove a MCT and only 5 weeks later, they starting popping up all over. She now has at least 50 of them. She has had a 2nd dose of chemo, but it doesn’t seem to be working anymore and will switch to palladia when her white cell count gets higher. She is so sweet even going through all this.
Last I commented, I was extremely happy with the results of Palladia. Well.. the tumor in Tomtom’s throat came back. We upped the medication back to 70mg every other day and the tumor shrunk again. Unfortunately it is so very expensive. In the meantime our doctor suggested a new drug from France. MISITINIB which we will try if Palladia no longer works. One thing we learned, not to reduce the dosage of Palladia if the dog’s digestive system can handle it.
There is currently a clinical trial of Palladia in conjunction with a radiation treatment once a week for 4 weeks. I am starting it this week for my 6 year old Yorkie sweetheart. She is on Benadtyl, Prilosec, and Prednisone and will start the Palladia in a few days. Pfizer provides the Palladia and the radiation treatments. I am taking her to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in NJ: http://www.rbvh.net/
Staying hopeful….
My 14 year old Bichon, Casper, was diagnosed with anal sac carcinoma at christmas. we started Palladia in early Jan. his tumor has shrunk over 50%. He is able to poop on his own again and acts like apuppy. I hope this continues. I was hoping Pfiser would help pay for the drug because it was a clinical trial but I have had to pay my self. I pay about $300 per month. 2 pills every other day. I was wondering if anyone knew of any side effects for humans if you came in contact with the Palladia? I have been suffering fron unexplained dizziness and off balance since I started giving my dog the drug. I wonder if it can cause any symptoms if touched.I do not always wear gloves when I give it but I hide it in food and use the food to pick it up.
Lorraine
I read the comments made and I am really interested to know how Dbow cockapoo (comment #19) is doing with palladia since November 09. My lab also has an anal sac tumor which was removed as well as several lymph nodes that had metastasis. One and half of the lymph nodes the doctor was not able get because of their location. She had a reaction to her first round of chemo. The oncologist are talking about using palladia and I just wanted to know if it helped your sweet dog. If anyone else has any experiences with this drug, your comment would be greatly appreciated.
I would like to add a positive comment about paladia. My Penny was diagnosed with a MCT grade III on her ear just after Christmas (09). She had the tumour removed twice, the last time the vet took half her ear flap away too. It grew back again and other MCT’s appeared too on her neck and across her chest. Her lymph glad also swelled considerably under her throat. She is a very young 13 yr old cross-breed (25kg). Our vet suggested we take her to the Animal Health Trust nr Newmarket (UK) where they suggested Paladia. She has been on Paladia for 2 weeks now & all her tumours have gone! She has a sore on her neck where she pulled the scab off the tumour that was there but the tumours gone from there too. She is suffering from a side-effect of the paladia at the moment, upset stomach, so we have been told to stop the paladia until she’s over that but, we have our Penny back with us looking very fit and healthy and happy!
I have a five year old vizsla that has a Mass Cell Tumour on the skin of the penis we did a biopsy and it came back grade 2 we have been given some options
Option 1 is so drastic that I do not want to put him through this that would be amputation of the whole penis the other is pallative therapy of either chemotherapy, Palladia, and/or Prednisone …they did an abdomen ultrasound and chest Xrays and found that inso far it has not spread anywhere so I feel reluntant to put him through chemo as it also kills the good cells espeically since it has not spread as yet but I am truly considering that most comfortable route for my pooch and go with Palladia just need to find out the cost but sometime we will go to far measures to afford to keep our best friend alive. thanks and I wish you all well
I would also like to hear more about experiences using palladia for anal sac carcinoma. My dog was diagnosed in May 2009. After surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with 3 different drugs(carboplatin, mitoxantrone, melphaln), her lymph nodes have started growing again. I started her on Palladia and within the first week she experienced bloody diarrhea so we stopped the drug for a week and then restarted it on a lower dose. I won’t find out for another month if the drug is doing any good. Anyone have any success with palladia in anal sac carcinomas?
Oh–and for anyone worried about chemotherapy, it’s not as scary in dogs as it is in humans. My dog didn’t experience any nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or hair loss. Her platelet count was always low so they had to do lots of dose adjustments, but she always seemed to feel great! If chemotherapy is an option, I wouldn’t be afraid of it!
And for people worried about the cost of palladia, I just wanted to throw out there that the drug itself isn’t the most expensive part. You have to go in once a week for the first 6 weeks for blood work, physical exam, and fecal occult blood tests. I’ve spent more on monitoring the drug than I have on the drug itself!
My 11 1/2 yr old Aussie was diagnosed with apocrine adenocarcinoma in Nov 09. However, it started in her vagina and spread to one lymph node. Surgery and 5 rounds of carboplatin and she was supposedly in remission. Three months later the cancer was back and spread to other lymph nodes. Carboplatin had zero effect. We tried Palladia. Two week free trial and it appears to be working. But after the $620 bill which will be the monthly cost, I just can’t afford it. Very sad but true. Wondering if the Palladia can be taken a month on/month off. Shooz has been doing fabulous on this too.
We just lost our Chipper (Golden Retriever) to cancer last fall. We still have two Golden’s, Laker and Bailey. Laker was rushed to emergency when an artery ruptured 6 weeks ago. They found out he had a tumor when they went in. Short form G.I.S.T. They operated after several blood transfusions, xrays, and ultrasound, over $12K. They believe they were able to get the entire tumor and said he was at low risk for getting it again. On a follow up last week, we were told to put him on the drug Palladia. It will cost for the drug about $5K and all follow up exams, blood work, etc is extra. Once a week for 6 wks. My husband and I are torn as to whether or not we should put Laker on this drug. There are side effects and they said he was at low risk to get it again. He is only 6 yrs old and he is part of the family, however when do we draw the line. Is this a cash grap or is it for real???? We don’t want to loose another member of the family, so soon after loosing our Chipper last fall. Any suggestions???
I was just wondering if palladia can be used in the treatment of cats. My cat has been recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and I am interested to know if this would be effective in his treatment.
My 12 year old English Pointer has hemangiosarcoma and has had his spleen removed already. He started on chemo but two masses have been found so the vet stopped the chemo. She suggested trying Palladia for the hemangiosarcoma. Anyone know of a dog using Palladia for this type of cancer? I just don’t know how much more money I should invest in trying to stop the unstoppable.
We just started on Palladia for anal sac cancer. We take pedcid every day. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must wear gloves when handling the medication. So far no big issues with the dog and side effects. I will try to keep our progress updated for those also facing anal sac cancer. Chemo didn’t work for my lab, and surgical removal of the anal sac did not stop the cancer from coming back a year later in the lymph nodes. Palladia is an experimental treatment, but we are running out of options. Our oncologist has had success with the few other anal sac cancer patients she has tried on palladia.
It’s important to have a good vet for this reason. I feel like so many just want to breeze over your pet and get paid. Those who care can find this and help start treating it.
Just make sure you talk to the veterinarian first before considering this and have them look over your pet before you bring start treatment. You never know what these new drugs are going to do long term.
We have 2 cocker spaniels (litter sisters) – both have anal sac tumours – both on clinical trial for Palladia in UK. Our girls both had chemo which did not work with them although neither of them had any noticable side affects from it. Both girls had scans & tests yesterday and while one shows the disease is progressing, the lump in the other one seems to have gone with only some thickening of the skin left.
Regarding the cost that others have mentioned – as we are on the trial the Palladia tablets are free but the cost of the scans, blood tests etc etc are large – especially as we have 2 requiring treatment. But, like just about everone here, they are our girls and we’ll do everything we can to make sure they are as happy and well as possible.
Our 9.5 year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Zoe, started to develop “fatty” tumors around 7-8 years old. Our hometown vet told us these were typical of dogs when they age, and usually harmless, but to keep an eye on them. Sure enough, at age 9, she developed a tumor on the outside of her back leg that grew very quickly, to about the size of a tennis ball. We had this removed at our local vet, and they referred us to specialists in Annapolis, MD. The tumor that was removed didn’t get conclusive results, due to “bad margins”, and it grew back, much more aggressively. We realized that we needed to go to the specialists. SO – after 2 surgeries to remove 3 tumors over the past 2 months, one which required a skin “flap” on her back leg, they’ve concluded that this was an aggressive cancer and has spread to her back lymph node. We don’t know how many times she can go under the knife again, it’s so heart-wrenching. Today a specialist suggested as the “least invasive” option to try Palladia. So, $650 later (a week’s supply and tests), here I am. Just gave her the 1st dose and am waiting for her to get sick all over the place. Everyone’s posts are very inspiring – I’m glad I came across this site. I will keep you informed on Zoe’s progress! Wish us luck!!!
Our Riley, 13 yr old portuguese water dog, had a very small mast cell tumor removed 3 yrs ago. The surgery caused him very little pain and he had a great recovery. We lost him this past June – he died in his sleep. We used Tramadol in his last several months to help with his arthritis and possible cancer pain. He came alive, was much more active and went on an RV trip and hiking with us in June, just before he passed away. I am now using Tramadol on my 9 yr old PWD who had hip replacement surgery 3 wks ago, and then fractured the same leg at the sit of the surgery; had to have a bone graft from her shoulder as well, so is not a happy camper. I came upon this site trying to determine what the maximum dosage is every 8 hrs as 1 isn’t enough on this 2nd post-surgical day. Will probably just call the vet, altho its a Sunday. Anyway, I can’t say enough for the medication – when she fractured the leg, it was 3 hrs til I took her to the surgeon and 3 tramadol and a Xanex eased her pain enough to stop the shaking, drooling and extreme pain.
My 4 1/2 year American Bulldog, Winston, was diagnosed with MCT in July. At that time, he had 8 tumors removed. Our regular vet referred us to a canine oncologist at the Life Center in Leesburg, VA. By that time, he had developed 4 more tumors. She referred us to another canine oncologist, Eric Boshoven, in Gaithursburg, MD for stromtium probe therapy because the tumors were so small, they could be treated with small doses of radiation injected directly into the tumor. It was only a week between his appointments, but by the time he had his first strontium therapy, they treated 10 tumors. He has since been back to treat 2 more. If you have a dog with recurring MCT, you should disuss this with your oncologist. Whenever I find a new tumor, I call Dr. Boshoven and Winston goes in for treatment. It only takes about 5 minutes per tumor, and because Winston is such a good boy, they don’t even have to anesthetize him.
I have a gorgeous beagle who is nearly 8 years old and has just been diagnosed with Grade 2 Mastocytoma. The tumour was removed 3 weeks ago but have got the path results back and it wasn’t fully excised due to its location. The vet had only just discovered Palladia via a magazine as its not yet widely available in the UK however seems hopeful and given there dont appear to be any other options for treatment which he would benefit him I have started him on the drug. Currently on day 4 and so far so good although i’m constantly watching for any sign of side effects as i’m not clear how quick a reaction would be. The positive thing is he is really healthy and unless you see his scar across his bottom you would thing nothing is wrong with him. Would be really grateful to hear from others in a similar situation for support.
In response to Sarah (# 54), we just completed our 3rd week of Palladia with our 9.5 year-old Rhodesian, Zoe. One important fact point out is that she’s also been prescribed REGLAN, which she takes 3 times per day, every day, which I believe is supposed to minimize the typical gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea, etc.). Our encologist originally put us on a 1-week cycle, at 80 mg on Mon/Wed/Fri, after which we brought her back in for a check-up. She experienced no side effects during that first week up until the very last day, when she vomitted, although we think it was because she swallowed 3 chewy treats whole. SO – for her second cycle, which is for 2 weeks, her dosage was brought down to 60 mg every Mon/Wed/Fri. We’re at the end of the 2 week period, and no side effects at all. We feel safe that the side effects aren’t there, but I’m now worried if this is even working. We’ll be taking her back in on Wed (11/17) for a follow-up to see what the next steps are.
To follow-up on #55, I would like to say that our encologist/vet has been focused much more on seeing whether or not Zoe is experiencing adverse reactions to Palladia, versus whether or not it is working. I still have no idea if it will work for Zoe – and if it does, when it will kick in. All dogs will not respond the same way to this drug. But I will keep you posted as promised!
Hi
I took my dog, a Jack Russell (9 years oold) to the vet and had one mass cell tumor removed from his side. I then noticed about five months later that he had another one coming on his groin area. This one came up so fast and so large that within 2 weeks it was 3 cm large. I was told it was to close to his pelvic area to remove without doing reconstructive surgery. I then took him to Vir Tech Vet school and was told the same thing. I then decided to put him on palladia. He takes that two pills in the morning every other day. He was on predisone on the opposite day he takes pallidia. I started him on Oct 14, 2010 and as of today there is no lump. I have another vet appointment but I cannot feel anything. I am amazed at the progress of the chemo pill and the results. I would recommend this for other people who are told that they could not do surgery. I am told that I need to keep him on the Pallidia for 6 months to a year. He also does not have the side effects like was perdicted. Thanks
Our 13.5 year old chocolate lab was diagnosed 4 months ago and started palladia treatment after receiving radiation on his right front paw. He is amazingly doing very well. He is a strong dog which has made him have an illness free life for the most part. If he wasn’t willing to fight this illness at his age, I would have had second thoughts. Thanks God for this treatment and the doctors at Ohio State University.
I just started my 7 year old Golden on Palladia 4 days ago. So far 2 doses. About 20 hours after the second dose she got sick and threw up. I don’t know if this is the start of the side effects or not. I hope going through this is going to help her! Most of the comments on here and giving me some hope though. Thanks!
Update from Sarah (54). Thanks so much for the new messages they are definately giving me hope. Theo my beagle seems to be doing well. No sign of any lumps at present and he is being checked every week by my vet which gives me extra assurance. Like Dani (59) Theo my beagle has some minor sickness but this is typical of him so no idea if related or not. Also some minor diarrohea but nothing too severe and generally in great health. I keep checking him regularly to the point i’m sure he thinks im a bit nuts! He’s not on any other medication and at this point my vet is advising on 3 lots of 40 day treatment but no idea what will happen after that. Would relly value being kept up to date on everyone’s progress. Thanks once again
Try Artemisinin , also known as wormwood or sweet annie. It is an herb, used for 30 years or so to treat cancer and malaria in people and pets. It releases something that explodes the cancer cells. The dog should be on low iron, iron feeds cancer cells. My dog has had amputation and 4 rounds of chemo, and will be x-rayed the first time since his chemo-lung x-rays to make sure no mestatisis has spread. He is almost 8 and has osteosarcoma. I hope these pills are working, but Oncology vets and reg. vets cannot prescribe them, because they are not FDA approved. Just google, Artemisinin and dog cancer, really interesting. The most info, that I like to read on it, is googled under Dr. Damien Drexler, then find the section- herbs or natural treatments.
It is Dr. Damien Dressler, and there is plenty of info., about all types and treatments for dog cancer. He has alot of free books and info., that are free to download. I said Dr. Damien Drexler above, meant Dressler. My dog is again full of energy, looks great, amputated about 3 months ago. I just pray for a miracle, he is German Shepherd- Akita mix. There are several vendors for Artemisinin, I get mine on-line at Holley Pharmaceuticals.They say it makes the chemo work better also, but DO NOT give to dogs undergoing radiation. Good Luck to everyone, hope it may help you.
My 4 yr old choc lab was started on Palladia about a week ago for mesothelioma. I was wondering if anyone else has used Palladia for this kind of cancer (I’m told it’s a sarcoma)
and had any success.
Steve (Post #26) There is a new clinical trial starting at Ohio State University Veterinary college on Palladia therapy for cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma….. web site to check it out is
http://vet.osu.edu/research/palladia-orpalladia-plus-radiation-therapy-cats-oral-squamous-cell-carcinoma
Thanks for all your comments. My dog has been very lethargic, I took him to the vet today,4/5/11. He has a large tumor on right hind leg. I never saw it on my 11 year old golden retriever mix. He looks like a cross between Lab and Golden. He is beautiful! The vet did a needle aspiration and I have to wait and see what the results are. I’m scared and concerned.
I need to search discount prices or donation of a cancer pill called Palladia for dogs? Can anyone help me?
Our 10 yr old Maltie Jack was started on Palladia yesterday after IV chemo failed, he had an anal sac ca which was totally removed in January, it had already spread to the lymph nodes and they could only remove all but 2cm of it. The lymph node ca has increased in size and there are now spots on the liver and possibly lungs. I really hope it works, so far no side effects and for a dog that is so sick on the inside you would not tell from the outside we have to make him slow down and rest as his hind legs are splaying from the growths that are pushing down on his nerves, he is not in any pain and will try and run when he is limping! I will do an update next week, he is booked to see the Onco in 2 weeks for an exam and blood.
Palladia almost killed my dog. After two different types of chemo injections and radiation (all of which he did well with), Palladia made him very sick, so much that I was losing him. I discontinued Palladia, boosted his immune system and was able to get him stabilized and can say that every day post-Palladia is better and better. He has osteosarcoma and lung metastasis. We are on to something different.
If you start Palladia, I would highly recommend appetite stimulants and Pepcid AC.
My scottish terrier was diagnosed with MCT grade 3 on his shoulder Dec. 2010, removed Jan.2011, but masses were found on his liver. Mar 2011 went in for surgery on liver and specialist found the MCT on shoulder was already back, so took it off again. After 5 chemo treatments MCT is back for 3rd time. Oncologist prescribed Palladia. He started it today, and I have an appointment in 9 days to start radiation.
I am really scared. I don’t want to ruin his quality of life, but if there’s a chance it can stop the cancer, I have to do it.
We have already spent 10k on surgeries, chemo and Palladia.
I understand the radiation is about 6k. Any advise from anyone in the same boat would be appreciated.
This question is for Keri. You said Palladia almost killed your dog and that now your dog is on something different. May I ask what treatment you are using. Palladia made my dog sick and Carboplatin didn’t work.
Hi all, just to update my dog Theo has now been on Palladia since early November so he’s onto his 6th course of treatment. Generally he is doing well but seems to pick up other illnesses really easily now so i’m assuming his immune system is low because of the drugs. He has been quite lethargic the past 2 days but having been the vets today for a through check up and blood work everything has come back fine so i’m hoping he’s having an ‘off day’.
There appears to be little known as to how long the treatment should take so i’m concerned to stop it in case the tumour (grade 2 mastocytoma) returns. We are from the uk but i’m struggling to find anyone who’s going through the same illness for support. Is anyone aware of any new findings from the drug and can direct me to any reading on it?
Updates on anyone else’s progress would be really welcome
Our little Scottie gal has biliary cancer–it’s terminal. We’ve had her on Palladia for a month. It has NOT stopped the cancer so far. Giving it another month.
Costs: $650.00/month for 30# Scottie, includes oncologist visit, blood work, ultrasound, and a months’ supply (for her, 35g 3x a week). Plus regular care costs, including special food @ $200 a month.
Initial workups and surgery to find out what was wrong exceeded $8,000.
I really don’t know if this is worth it. Without it, she has less than 6 months. My husband made the decision to do it. I hope we are doing the right thing for her–she’s my princess!
Sorry to hear about Scottie, Leslie. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. I’m still living in hope, although the past 48 hours Theo seems to have taken a turn for the worse and the vet is unsure whether its a simple infection or whether the cancer is back. Just started him on a course of antibitotics so am praying they work. He’s done so well since the treatment started and whilst i know there is no 100% guarantee with the drug he seemed to be doing really well. Take care
Hi all,
Our 10yr old Border Collie Mix (and the love of our life) was diagnosed with a MCT in his right front leg. The area in which the tumor is makes it inoperable as they cannot get the necessary margins.
My heart is breaking right now as we have just come to the conclusion that the 2nd type of chemo drug (Lomustine) is no longer working. He has been doing chemo since October and with little results. The tumor is now almost the size of a tennis ball, still soft in nature and surprisingly doesn’t affect his mobility much yet. Our next and only option left is Palladia. We have spent over $10K already and the bill for the Palladia (6mths of treatment) will be over $13K.
This dog (as many of you can relate) is like our child and I have a really really hard time “quitting” on him now. He still is full of life and love.
I am just not sure how we will be able to afford the Palladia. Does anyone have any suggestions for alternate treatments or ways to save money with the Palladia? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
I am Linda (69) with an update on our scottish terrier.
After the Mast Cell Tumors came back, the oncologist stopped chemo, put him on Palladia, and refered us to UC Davis for radiation. The Palladia was $600 for 30, but I thought it was only a months supply, actually it lasts a lot longer because you only give it 3 times a week. He had radiation for the reoccurring MC tumor on shoulder, that along with palladia seems to have worked. Then a MC tumor appeared on his rear end, luckily completely external so they removed it while sedated for radiation. But just when we thought it was beat, MC tumor cells showed up in his eye! Seems Palladia doesn’t work in the eyes, so they tried different chemo drug NCNU, which you only take one every three weeks, but is stronger.
The eye was getting worse, so we decided to do radiation on eye. We were told it could lead to cataracts later but alternative was eye removal! Between radiation, 4 different eye drops and Palladia it is now almost gone from eye.
Now starting yesterday morning he is vomiting and sick.
The oncologist said it was symtoms of side effects of Palladia and said to temporaily stop the Palladia because if they get too sick on it they have to stop it completely. But for him it seems Palladia is the only thing that keeps his Mast Cell Tumors from reoccurring, and radiation therapy.
Mast Cell grade 3 was first discovered Dec. 2010, all oncologists tell us he would have died by now without treatments. Although it’s expensive if you can go to a college like I finally found, it’s much less expensive since they are a non-profit.
My almost 6 year old Bernese Mt. Dog was diagnosed with melanoma about 1 month ago. It started as a pink lesion on his gums and we ended up having surgery to remove some teeth and part of his jaw bone. It took a while to get the definitive diagnosis but x-rays of the lungs showed no metastasis as of 2 weeks ago. Vets prescribed Palladia and Cyclophosphamide taken on alternate days with one day per week “off.” We started this past week. He appeared to be feeling fine until we started the drugs and now he is lethargic and reluctant to go on walks. Don’t know which drug might be responsible for this, but it’s frustrating to see a formerly happy and energetic creature now lethargic and depressed. Anybody have similar side effects from these drugs?
Linda (75) update on our scotty Buddy. Mast Cells cleared from the eye, but was still not well. Buddy died Aug 7th peacefully in the middle of the night. But the night before he was vomiting bile all night. What I want to warn people about Palladia is that when they get sick on it, it’s too late, they are dying. It is very powerful stuff. We saw it remove small exterior tumors in days, well what does that tell you about what it might due to their vital organs. It might prolong their life, but not give them quality of life. We would have paid anything to keep our Buddy living, but maybe we weren’t really helping him. Right now our loss is very overwhelming for us. We are sick.
Update on our Scottish Terrier Buddy. Palladia killed him. I want to warn people because for a few months it seemed like a miracle, but when they do get sick on Palladia, the Oncologists say they have to temporarily stop taking it, but when they get sick from it, it is killing them.
We lost Buddy Aug 7th. Mast cells cleared completely from eye. He was still sick. The night before he died he vomited bile all night. Then was calm but we could tell not well the next day. He died peacefully between 12-2am Sunday morning. We are so distraught we are sick. We spent the year trying to keep him alive at any expense. We didn’t expect him to die so soon, as Oncologists said how well he was doing.
We are not dealing very well with his death. Although we know it was probably best for him. We only saw him suffer the one night. Now it’s hard to fill the void in our hearts and lives.
Most of our life was taking care of him.
Update on our Scottish Terrier Buddy. Palladia killed him. I want to warn people because for a few months it seemed like a miracle, but when they do get sick on Palladia, the Oncologists say they have to temporarily stop taking it, but when they get sick from it, it is killing them.
We lost Buddy Aug 7th. Mast cells cleared completely from eye. He was still sick. The night before he died he vomited bile all night. Then was calm but we could tell not well the next day. He died peacefully between 12-2am Sunday morning. We are so distraught we are sick. We spent the year trying to keep him alive at any expense. We didn’t expect him to die so soon, as Oncologists said how well he was doing.
We are not dealing very well with his death. Although we know it was probably best for him. We only saw him suffer the one night. Now it’s hard to fill the void in our hearts and lives.
Most of our life was taking care of him.
Update on our Scottish Terrier Buddy. Palladia killed him. I want to warn people because for a few months it seemed like a miracle, but when they do get sick on Palladia, the Oncologists say they have to temporarily stop taking it, but when they get sick from it, it is killing them.
We lost Buddy Aug 7th. Mast cells cleared completely from eye. He was still sick. The night before he died he vomited bile all night. Then was calm but we could tell not well the next day. He died peacefully between 12-2am Sunday morning. We are so distraught we are sick. We spent the year trying to keep him alive at any expense. We didn’t expect him to die so soon, as Oncologists said how well he was doing.
We are not dealing very well with his death. Although we know it was probably best for him. We only saw him suffer the one night. Now it’s hard to fill the void in our hearts and lives.
Most of our life was taking care of him.
I lost my darling susie 8.8.11.She had been ill for a year taking steriods until the last 5 weeks since then been on palladia.She had seizures whilst on steriods but the palladia seemed to stop them and then suddenly she had a massive one with sickness and didnt come out of it.such a shock and its broke my heart.she was a 13 year old beautiful staffy.( my baby)
My 8 yr old Beagle had a Grade 3 mast cell tumor removed from his back paw. He is undergoing chemo right now and will be starting Palladia in a few weeks.
Our now 13 year old Weimaraner was diagnosed with MCT, which she had removed from her hind leg. She was given possibly 3-6months at the most. She was prescribed the chemo drug Leukeran, and 18 months later she’s still with us. Unfortunately, she now has other tumors which have developed and our vet has suggested trying another drug, such as Palladia. He has discussed with us the possible side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, etc. However, taking everything into consideration … the fact that she is 13 years old and has already exceeded her average life expectancy for her breed by approx. 12 months, she’s happy, she has all of her vital signs, she still loves going for walks, she still has a great appetite, and she has no ill side effects …. do we really want, what could be the last few months of what has been a long and happy life, to be blighted by such possible side effects? Would it be unfair of us to put her through that simply for our own selfish desire? At 13 years old, even if she were fit and healthy, she may not have much longer with us, and I am thinking that her quality of life, for however much longer she has with us, if far more important …..
My Boston Terrier rescue was 10 lbs when we found her. She went through heartworm treatment and is now 21 lbs, three years later. She had a lump on her butt and at the time we had no idea what it was. We had it removed and later lab results found it to be Stage 3 MCT. She soon after developed another lump about the size of two thumbs on her belly. Aspirations proved it S3 MCT. She just started Palladia and I am hoping for some more time as long as her quality of life is there. She is such a fighter and had a horrible first part of life. We think she was a puppy mill brood dog since she seemed she didn’t have full locomotion at first to even go on walks. I think she lived the first part of her life in a cage but I am just speculating with her lack of fluid movements. Luckily she is still so happy now and plays like a puppy who is now ~7 human years old.
Forgot to add, after the initial skin cancer removal, the MCT is in her lymph nodes. The first on her abdomen left side is the 2 thumb sized mass. We noticed a second on her right side only a raisin sized lump but was confirmed a lymph node infection. The third found in ultrasound was a sublumbar position. I’m getting kinda scared with some of the above stories in Palladia treatments. I hope I am doing the right thing.
I feel so deeply for all of you. Two years ago my dog Harle, had Mast Cell tumore. It was removed, and with only Surgery, she recovered. She has not got diabetes and we are having difficulty balancing it out. Strange. Now, her sister and another dog, were diagnosed within weeks of each other with two different types of cancer. Her sister Snow, the vet mis diagnosed. Her mast cell is very grave. Her only hope is Paladia. What good does it do, if it works or not, if you cannot pay for it? Every time I look at her I break inside. I could handle her death,if I knew I had done all that I could, but I cannot handle this.
And, my sweet older Sugar, has had to settle for oral meds at home. Because I cannot afford the IV. She has done well, though. She gained a little weight, seems happy enough. Nausea is an issue, but that was expected.
I think those of us who go through this,much like parents, suffer a certain kind of grief. I will think of all of you.
My 10 year old Aus. Shep. mix (Tilly) was diagnosed with bone cancer (osteosarcoma) earlier this year. We opted to have the leg removed that had the tumor, and then gave Tilly mulitple treatments of carboplatin, which had minimal side effects, and kept the cancer at bay for a few months after the last treatement. So, from early summer until mid-Nov it worked great, and Tilly’s quality of life was amazing…and she did great on 3 legs! But, a chest xray showed a few weeks ago showed spread. The vet oncologist recommended palladia. I gave her palladia for one week (M,W,F)…and on early Sunday morning she had a major cardiovascular event (probably an embolism) that including excessive vomiting and diarhea…and died very suddenly. I BELIEVE THAT THE PALLADIA CAUSED THIS. So, although the cancer was going to ultimately take Tilly, I believe that this drug robbed us of another 2 or 3 months…and I am pissed! SO, THINK LONG AND HARD BEFORE PUTTING YOUR DOG ON THIS DRUG!
I have a 13 1/2 year old shih tzu. In October he suddenly had a stroke. He has fully recovered from the stroke but through all of the testing it was discovered that he had 2 masses, one on each lung. The masses were cancerous – carcinoma. He had surgery and had the masses removed but it was determined that the cancer was still in his lymphatic tissue. He began chemo with his first session being an IV treatment called navalbine. The first session did not go well as the vet explained that his blood vessels were too weak to continue follow-up sessions with IV treatments. We decided to try Palladia since it could be given orally.
He gets a pill 3 times a week (MWF) and has been on it for 7 weeks now. Overall, I think he is doing well. He hasn’t experienced any side effects. He had bloodwork done after 5 weeks and everything came back fine. He seems to be in fairly good spirits and is eating and drinking well. He has some off days, but I have to say this method of chemo is so much nicer given that I don’t have to put him through the stress of IV treatments and weekly vet visits. I haven’t had any follow-up tests done yet to see if his cancer is spreading or getting better, so I cannot comment on that aspect yet.
I did read a comment from someone that said Palladia treatments would cost them $13K. That shocked me because I actually find the treatments relatively affordable. My dog was prescribed a 10 week supply that cost $250. He goes in for monthly blood tests that cost about $200. I have spent a lot of money on his care the last few months but those costs were for the emergency care and surgery related to his stroke and surgery. Although the chemo treatments are not cheap, they are not horrendous.
I lost my beautiful boxer friend to mast cell cancer in 2008 – he was just covered in them, but he was such a brave little soul despite the pain and nausea from his cancer meds. I lost him on a Sun morn and I still feel the pain; 8 mos earlier I lost my miniature dauschund to liver cancer. My heart was broken after losing both of them so close together and I still miss them terribly. They left big holes in my heart.
I hope the Palladia will do wonders for mast cell tumors and fewer pets and owners will suffer the loss of their beloved pets.
Palladia is saving my boxer!!! It is a miracle!!! Its not doing anything good for my wallet but my baby boy is alive and well!!!! Thanks so much Pfizer!!!
Nothing can cure a widespread tumor in a boxer’s upper hard and soft pallet that has spread elsewhere. I’m watching my sweet Maggie Mae (8 and a half years old) suffer and die as we speak. I am going to have to put her down soon. The vet school oncologist said we were only going to make her suffer more.