Q.: What is targeted therapy? I have been hearing more and more in the news regarding targeted cancer therapy for people. Does this type of treatment exist for pets, too? My dog was recently diagnosed with a mast cell tumor and my veterinarian explained that a new type of targeted therapy was available for dogs with mast cell cancer.
A.: Targeted therapy for cancer is treatment that is aimed at a specific receptor or target on the cancer cell. This type of treatment has great potential for both animals and people. The reason that targeted therapy is so exciting is that it is specifically aimed at the cancer cell. The normal cells in the body are not harmed by targeted cancer treatment. This means that side effects are very minimal if existent at all.
Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumors that we see in canine patients. There are new, targeted receptor inhibitors that are used in the treatment of mast cell cancer. These novel medications are targeted for a specific receptor on the surface of the cancerous mast cell. The treatment is very effective for certain types of mast cell tumors, especially tumors that are not surgically removable.
Another type of cancer that is seen commonly in canine patients is melanoma. These types of tumors grow rapidly in the oral cavity or in the nail bed. They are malignant tumors that metastasize to lymph nodes and lung. A melanoma is another type of cancer that is treated with targeted therapy. Immunotherapy is used in the treatment of melanoma. When immunotherapy is used, the immune system is targeted against the cancer. The immune system destroys the cancer cells without destroying normal cells in the body. By administering injections that stimulate the immune system to recognize a specific receptor on the cancer cell, the immune system is targeted against the cell. This type of therapy is very effective in the treatment of melanoma.
Targeted therapy is a way to effectively target cancer cells while preventing toxicity to normal cells in the body. More and more targeted therapies for different types of cancers are being developed, allowing for better treatments for both people and pets with cancer.
Stephanie Correa, DVM
Board Certified in Oncology
Animal Cancer Care Clinic
www.AnimalCancerCareClinic.com
Read more articles by Dr. Correa | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2013/08/30/targeted-cancer-therapy-works-well-for-pets/