From the Research
The recommended length of palladia (toceranib phosphate) therapy for dogs after castration and removal of one anal gland with low grade apocrine gland adenocarcinoma is typically 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual case and response to treatment, as supported by the most recent study in 2020 1.
Key Considerations
- Palladia is usually administered at a dose of 2.75 mg/kg orally every other day or Monday-Wednesday-Friday.
- Treatment should begin after surgical wound healing, approximately 10-14 days post-surgery.
- Regular monitoring is essential, with complete blood counts, serum biochemistry, and physical examinations recommended every 2-4 weeks initially, then every 1-3 months if stable.
- CT scans or ultrasounds to check for metastasis are advised every 3 months during treatment.
Side Effects and Management
- Side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, decreased appetite, and occasionally neutropenia, which may require temporary dose reductions or treatment breaks.
- Rare but serious side effects like palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome can occur, as reported in a case study in 2023 2.
Mechanism of Action
- Palladia works by inhibiting multiple receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis, making it effective against various cancers including apocrine gland adenocarcinomas.
Treatment Duration
- Treatment duration may be extended beyond 12 months for high-risk cases or shortened to 6 months for very low-grade tumors with clean surgical margins and no evidence of metastasis, as suggested by the study in 2020 1.
Prognostic Factors
- Hypercalcemia was identified as a negative prognostic factor for clinical outcomes in the study from 2020 1.