Humans and dogs can both develop a type of cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In humans it’s the most common lymphoma subtype, and in dogs it’s one of the most common cancers in veterinary oncology. My post, Human and Canine Lymphomas Share Molecular Similarities noted symptoms of canine lymphoma, along with promising research being conducted by a team of scientists to directly compare canine and human B-cell lymphoma by examining molecular similarities and differences between the two species.
That was back in October, so imagine how delighted I was when came across a recent press release which led me to this exciting article Karyopharm seeks approval for the first new drug for dog lymphoma in 20 years!
In a clinical trial, which formed the basis for the application, 58 pet dogs were enrolled: 42 with B-cell lymphoma, 14 with T-cell lymphoma and two with lymphoma of undetermined phenotype. Owners gave the drug Verdinexor to their dogs two to three times per week orally after a meal, and 20 of the 58 dogs responded to the medicine. (One dog which saw a complete remission of the cancer). There was little evidence of toxicity, and most owners said their dogs enjoyed good quality of life while on the drug.
Karyopharm Therapeutics aims to create a drug to fight blood cancers in humans and is also pursuing a potentially quicker approval opportunity: The chance to market a similar drug for use in dogs. CEO Michael Kauffman said the goal of seeking approval in dogs first is to give the company a test run for dealing with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is a separate division of the agency, he said, “there’s a significant amount of crosstalk,” and introducing the agency to the company could help the approval process in humans.
The approval of the drug for dogs is likely more than a year away, and I’m grinning from ear to ear for the important research that gets us closer to successfully treating cancer and finding a cure. Stick It To Canine Cancer! xoxo ~Zo
