External Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Treating Skin and Bone Cancer in Animals
Tumors have been burned away by black salves and cut out by knives for centuries. In pets, new and old solutions compete for success.
The treament of external tumors has not varied much over the centuries: remove it surgically or kill it while it is still in the body. Finding a tumor visible on a dog or cat is usually scary for the owner, but external growths are generally easier to treat by virtue of the fact that they can be seen. Most of these tumors can be attributed, at least in part, to some type of skin or bone cancer.
Removing Tumors: Debulking the Cancer
Large masses and growths should be removed if possible, because regardless of the treatment method selected, these high concentrations of diseased tissue will slow down the process. Dr. Terrence Fox states in his clinical guide to Neoplasene, "Once the cancerous mass has been debulked by excision, apoptosis, necrosis, irradiation, injection or any other means the rate of growth of residual (or new) neoplasm is likely less than the cell mortality rate of the dose limited* oral application." In other words, debulking gives this treatment a better chance of working. The principle is sound regardless of the cancer treatment being used.
Methods of tumor debulking each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
- Traditional surgery can be dangerous, depending upon the overall health of the animal and location of the tumor. Bone growths must be removed with care, especially if on a supporting leg bone.
- Cryosurgery freezes the tumor for removal. It is a newer procedure whose long-term effects are not known, but has a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.
- Radiation is sometimes very effective in killing a tumor, but the side effects can be deleterious. In some instances it can actually accelerate growth.
- Chemotherapy uses very toxic chemicals to destroy the cancer. The side effects, such as loss of hair and vomiting, are well known.
- Neoplasene can be applied topically (if sufficient tumor is available) or injected directly into the tumor. Neoplasene can create a large wound, which not all pet owners are qualified to manage.
Using Neoplasene for Eliminating the Cancer in the Pet
Cancer, by its nature, will regrow after it is removed. Dr. Fox, in an interview, explained that his drug Neoplasene will selectively destroy the remaining cancer in the animal's body. "It can harm healthy tissue with a very strong concentration, but it does not burn flesh like bloodroot does." Bloodroot is one of the main components from which Fox creates Neoplasene. Because it can be used orally, it can induce cell death (apoptosis) in the remaining cancer cells over time. Some pets may require lifelong treatment, especially if the underlying cause of the cancer is not identified and eliminated.
Neoplasene is not the only alternative therapy for cancer in dogs and cats, but it shows tremendous promise. According to Fox, more clinical trials are being planned, which could eventually lead to FDA approval for use in people.
