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Investigating biomarkers for metronomic cyclophosphamide treatment of canine soft tissue sarcoma

Objective:

To investigate the antiangiogenic effects of low-dose metronomic cyclophosphamide in canine soft tissue sarcoma using Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Computed Tomography, tissue and blood biomarkers analysis.

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Background:

Metronomic chemotherapy is a new form of treatment, defined as the low-dose daily administration of chemotherapy drugs. One tumor that may respond well to this treatment is canine soft tissue sarcoma. In a previous study, significant prevention of tumor recurrence was demonstrated after dogs with incompletely excised tumors received metronomic cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. However, the complete mechanisms responsible for the drug’s effects, as well as the optimal dose and schedule are still unclear.

Study design:

Patients will be treated with low-dose daily cyclophosphamide chemotherapy for 4 weeks. Before and after the 4-week treatment, patients will undergo general anesthesia for CT scan and multiple tru-cut/incisional biopsies of the tumor. Blood samples will also be obtained on the same day. On day 14, a recheck visit for physical examination, toxicity assessment, and tumor measurement by calipers will occur.

Inclusion criteria:  

  • Dogs with a grade I/II measurable soft tissue sarcoma

Exclusion criteria:

  • Life expectancy <2months;
  • High anaesthetic risk;
  • Concurrent immunosuppressive treatment (except for NSAIDs).

Samples required:  

  • Biopsies and blood samples (~5ml) before and after 4 weeks of treatment

Client Compensation:              

  • No costs for biopsies 
  • No cost for one-month metronomic chemotherapy          

Researchers:

  • Dr. Tony Mutsaers (PI)
  • Dr. Arata Mutsuyama

Contact: 

Vicky Sabine (PhD), Clinical Research Coordinator

Funded by OVC Pet Trust.

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