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Published on: March 18, 2014
Evaluation of zoledronate for the treatment of canine stage III osteosarcoma: A phase II study
Ashley A Smith1, Stephanie E S Lindley1, Greg T Almond1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
Background:
Greater than 90% of dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma will develop pulmonary metastasis despite the standard of care. Available treatments have limited efficacy for stage III disease. Zoledronate, a bisphosphonate, induces apoptosis of canine osteosarcoma cells and appears to modulate the tumour microenvironment.
Objectives:
This prospective, single institutional phase IIa trial investigated the use of single agent zoledronate in dogs with pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma.
Methods:
Zoledronate was administered once monthly, and thoracic radiographs were used to assess response.
Results:
Eleven dogs were enrolled. Stable disease was achieved in two of eight dogs available for response assessment. The median progression-free survival was 28 days (range: 4-93 days). The median stage III-specific survival time was 92 days. Adverse events were reported in four dogs; two dogs developed grade III or higher toxicities. Notable adverse events included conjunctivitis, fever, hypocalcaemia, and hypophosphatemia.
Conclusions:
Zoledronate appears to have limited efficacy as a single agent for stage III osteosarcoma and may be associated with unexpected toxicity in this population. This clinical trial was registered on the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database (AAHSD004396).
