Use of a biological extract of Serratia marcescens to decrease doxorubicin-induced myelosuppression in dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Oncology
• Immunomodulation
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Doxorubicin chemotherapy can cause significant myelosuppression in dogs.
• Myelosuppression leads to reduced neutrophil counts, increasing infection risk.
• Biological extract of Serratia marcescens (BESM) is being investigated for immunomodulatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal dosage and schedule for BESM administration in dogs receiving doxorubicin.
• To evaluate BESM's efficacy in reducing the duration and severity of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression.
• To assess the impact of BESM on canine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen dogs received doxorubicin (30 mg/m2 IV).
• Nine dogs received varying doses and schedules of SC BESM post-doxorubicin.
• Serum G-CSF levels were analyzed via enzyme immunoassay in a separate group of dogs receiving different BESM doses.
• Neutrophil counts were monitored and statistically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Increasing BESM dosage and frequency reduced doxorubicin-induced myelosuppression.
• Dogs receiving 0.08 mg/kg BESM daily showed significantly increased neutrophil counts after day 7.
• BESM-treated dogs maintained neutrophil counts closer to baseline compared to doxorubicin-only treated dogs.

Conclusions:

• BESM demonstrates potential in mitigating doxorubicin-induced myelosuppression in dogs.
• Optimal BESM administration may involve daily subcutaneous injections at 0.08 mg/kg.
• Further research into BESM's role in supportive cancer care is warranted.