A New Lymphoma Treatment for Dogs?

There could be a new option for treating lymphoma in dogs on the horizon. Lymphoma is a cancer involving the lymph glands and the tissues that make up the immune system. Its one of the most common types of cancers veterinarians see in dogs - accounting for up to one in five canine cancers. Lymphoma is more frequently diagnosed in certain dog breeds, such as Golden retrievers and Rottweillers, but it can affect any breed of dog.

Conventional Lymphoma Treatment for Dogs

Lymphoma in dogs often responds to chemotherapy medications, similar to ones used in humans. With these medications, some dogs diagnosed with lymph cancer, survive a year, or even longer. If a dog with lymphoma is left untreated, the survival time is usually only four to six weeks. Because pets are such an important part of peoples lives, more dog owners are choosing to treat cancerx such as lymphoma in dogs.

A New Way to Treat Lymphoma in Dogs?

Researchers at the University of Illinois are testing a new lymphoma treatment for dogs. This new drug acts on a specific enzyme called procaspase-3 that causes cancer cells to die. Many cancers in humans and animals contain high levels of procaspase-3, which means this drug could be a target for cancers in both animals and humans.

While testing this new compound, called PAC-1, in dogs, researchers discovered it made their brain cells more excitable by binding to zinc. To offset this undesirable effect, they modified PAC-1 so that this is no longer a problem. This new lymphoma treatment for seems to have few risks or side effects.

Unfortunately, this treatment for dog lymphoma needs further testing and may not be approved by the FDA for several years. In the meantime, chemotherapy, using already approved cancer drugs, remains the standard treatment approach. Not all dogs respond to chemotherapy for canine lymphoma - especially if the diagnosis is made too late.

The Signs of Lymphoma in dogs

Any dog owner who feels swollen nodules in a dogs neck, chest, or behind the knees should talk to their veterinarian immediately. Other symptoms of canine lymphoma are weight loss, lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Dog lymphoma is more common in older dogs, but it can occur at any age.

Lymphoma Treatment for Dogs: The Bottom Line

This new treatment for canine lymphoma offers hope for dogs who fail to respond to conventional chemotherapy - and it may have fewer side effects. Researchers are hoping this new medication could eventually treat lymphoma in humans too. Stay tuned for more research on this up-and-coming lymphoma treatment for dogs.

References:

Eurekalert.org. "New lymphoma treatment shows promise in dogs"