New Drug Fights Cancer in Dogs

Palladia approved to treat dangerous skin tumors

Related Encyclopedia • Acidophilus • Adenocarcinoma of the Lung and Brain Metastases • Antioxidants • Basal Cell Carcinoma More... Related Healthscout Videos Optimistic Healing Cancer Treatment for Any Size Fever Kills Cancer Cancer Detection More... Related Animations • Breast Self-Exam Video • Colon Cancer More... Related Drug Information • Epogen • Iressa • Klor-Con • Klor-Con ER More... Related News Articles • Living With Less TV, More Sweat Boosts Weight Loss • Folate Levels in Pregnancy Tied to ADHD in Offspring • Sugar Shortens Life Span in Worms • Switch to 'Light' Cigarettes Makes Quitting Tougher More...

WEDNESDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Palladia (toceranib phosphate) is the first drug to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically to treat cancer in dogs, the agency said in a news release Wednesday.

The drug has been sanctioned to treat canine cutaneous mast cell tumors, which account for about one in five cases of skin tumors in dogs.

Text Continues Below

---

While these tumors may appear small, they can be life-threatening if not treated and removed, the FDA said. Palladia, among a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, kills tumor cells and cuts off the tumors' blood supply.

The drug's side effects may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss and bloody stools.

Palladia is produced by New York City-based Pfizer Animal Health Inc.

More information

The FDA has more about this approval.

-- Scott Roberts