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Targeted Osmotic Lysis of Advanced Carcinoma in Companion Animals
Author(s) -
Paul Dennis,
Edenfield Samantha,
Miller Paige R.,
Sherman Kelly J.,
Del Piero Fabio,
Gould Harry J.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.r5215
Subject(s) - medicine , biopsy , stimulation , cancer , concomitant , carcinoma , pharmacology , oncology
Targeted osmotic lysis (TOL) is a novel technology that involves the concomitant stimulation of voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and pharmacological blockade of Na+, K+‐ATPase (sodium pumps) causing selective osmotic lysis of highly malignant cancer cells that may offer an option for treating advanced carcinomas in companion animals. We hypothesized, that as in experimental animals, TOL would be able to increase survival beyond that anticipated for animals with advance carcinoma without adversely affecting quality of life. Accordingly, we treated 2 feline and 3 canine companion animals in which TOL was used to safely treat advanced carcinoma. Based on available pre‐clinical evidence for safety, efficacy and lack of off‐target damage to normal tissue, companion animals diagnosed with advanced carcinomas that were experiencing impaired behavior and functionality were offered trial treatment with TOL. When practical, biopsy samples were obtained to determine the level of VGSC expression. Digoxin was administered to achieve steady‐state, therapeutic tissue levels. The animals were then exposed to pulsed electric field stimulation. Post‐treatment measurements of tumor size and assessments of behavior and functionality were compared to pre‐treatment observations made by the owners and by the treating veterinarian. The frequency of treatments and survival varied, based on the patient’s level of pre‐morbid functioning and response to treatment. In all five cases, TOL the animals survived beyond the prognosis. In 3 cases, owners reported behavioral improvement. The results support the hypothesis that TOL may provide a therapeutic option with broad application in veterinary practice as a safe, well‐tolerated and effective option for treating patients with advanced stage carcinoma.