Caninecancer.org.au

Just wanted to know if the bone cancer research in Australia still uses chemotherapy or is it just this new drug?

Can you be in the program if you don't live close to one of the centers in the trial? It would be more useful if all the vets could hand it out so it can reach more dog owners. The program is going around everywhere in social media and online mags but not everyone lives close to major cities and nothing in NSW.

Hi,

The auranofin trial is including 3 groups of dogs:
1) those treated with limb amputation and auranofin
2) those treated with limb amputation, standard chemotherapy and auranofin
3) those treated with limb radiation therapy, standard chemotherapy and auranofin.

It certainly would be great if all dogs affected with osteosarcoma could participate. However, the centres included in the trial have strict requirements to follow to be able to participate. This ensures that all dogs included in the study are treated in a very similar and ethical way, which allows the final results to be interpreted appropriately.

If the study results show this drug does improve the outcome of dogs with osteosarcoma without causing harm, then the drug will likely become more widely available. Sometimes it can be frustrating waiting for these studies to be completed, but if the drug is used without proper testing, we could do more harm than good.

I am a veterinary oncologist working in Newcastle NSW who will hopefully soon be participating in the trial as well. I am waiting on final approval, so if you would like further information for your pet, please email me at sao@smallanimaloncology.com.au

Amy

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Small Animal Oncology
Registered Specialist in Veterinary Oncology
Newcastle Region