FDA Approves First-Ever Cancer Drug for Dogs

It's good news on a somber topic.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever cancer drug formulated specifically for canines in the United States. Made by Pfizer Inc.'s Animal Health division, the drug called "Palladia" is aimed at treating mast cell tumors in dogs. "Mast cell tumors are the second most common tumor type and are often seen as lumps in the skin," explains Pfizer in a statement.

A clinical study of the new drug found that "approximately 60% of dogs had their tumors disappear, shrink or stop growing," said Dr. Cheryl London, DVM, PhD, board certified medical oncologist and associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine who has helped Pfizer develop Palladia since 2000. Dogs whose tumors responded to Palladia experienced an improved quality of life, added Dr. London.

Sadly, cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs according to the Morris Animal Foundation. Every year, an estimated 1.2 million new cases of canine cancer is reported in the United States, states Pfizer Animal Health.

Palladia, whose scientific name is Toceranib phosphate, will be available through veterinarians sometime in early 2010. In the meantime, Pfizer is distributing the drug to veterinary oncologists to try out. The price of the drug has not yet been announced, but the veterinary community is urging Pfizer to make the drug affordable for the "average client" who may have to purchase the tablets for their dogs for months or years to come, reports ABC News.

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Tags: canine-cancer, dog-cancer-drug, dogs, fda, palladia, pet health questions, PetHealthQuestions, pfizer