Page 8 - Spring 2018 Newsletter Final Digital

“We really wanted to participate in type of chemo medication. To follow the COXEN CLINICAL
a clinical trial,” said Brad. “We hoped it clinical trial protocol, Duke will return
would help Duke as well as other dogs every three weeks for several months to TRIAL FOR
and possibly people in the future.” receive alternating doses of chemother- OSTEOSARCOMA
During their first visit, they met with apy drugs. The clinical trials team will
members of the clinical trials team to also monitor his blood work to ensure Osteosarcoma is a painful and
learn more about the center’s current clin- the chemotherapy isn’t compromising his aggressive cancer that originates in
ical trials for patients with osteosarcoma. white blood cell count and perform X-rays the bone. Current treatment
Pending the results of additional testing, to watch for metastasis. options include amputation of the
the family considered two different trials. “The clinical trials team is really impres- affected limb followed by
The goal of the first study is to investigate sive,” said Brad. “They are quick to follow chemotherapy to curb cancer
the effectiveness of a Listeria vaccine in up and answer questions and are clearly metastasis. Recent studies have
delaying/preventing the spread of cancer dedicated to Duke’s care.” shown that cancer gene signatures,
following amputation and chemotherapy. “Duke is an incredible, trusting, and patterns of how genes are
The goal of the second trial is to deter- lovable boy,” said Lindsay Carroll, clinical expressed within individual
mine if dogs with osteosarcoma treated trials nurse. “Even if he isn’t feeling well, tumors, can predict whether a
with chemotherapy protocols based on he manages to make everyone around tumor will respond to a specific
the sensitivity of the individual patient’s him happy. We are grateful to have him chemotherapy drug. Determining
cancer cells will have better outcomes enrolled in a clinical trial with us.” a tumor’s gene signature allows
compared to standard treatment. Prior to Four months after surgery, Duke is do- patients to be treated with drugs
enrolling in either trial, Duke would need ing well. He continues to enjoy his family, most likely to provide the greatest
to have his front leg amputated to remove (shorter) walks, visits from people, and, of therapeutic benefit.
the primary tumor. course, peanut butter and popcorn. “His
That day, the family also met with surgi- personality has remained the same as it Coexpression extrapolation, or
cal oncologist, Dr. Deanna Worley, to learn has always been,” said Brad. COXEN, is a method of
more about Duke’s upcoming surgery. “I would recommend CSU to anyone predicting the sensitivity of tumor
“We were surprised and grateful that whose pet is diagnosed with cancer,” said cells to specific drugs based on
we had a chance to talk to Duke’s sur- Brad. genes expressed by the tumor. The
geon before the procedure,” said Brad. “Initially, this was a scary diagnosis to use of this method can help us to
Duke is enrolled in the Flint Animal Cancer Center’s COXEN clinical trial. “She was very informative and explained wrap our heads around, but after meeting determine which chemotherapy
what the experience would be like, how Duke’s surgeon and the clinical trials staff, drug(s) may be most effective
A love of people, popcorn, and peanut butter fuel Duke’s recovery from osteosarcoma things would go. She answered our we were really put at ease. Everyone is against a particular tumor.
questions and was very reassuring. After
truly committed to providing the best care
that conversation, we knew Duke was in and outcome possible for Duke, and that The goal of the Predictive Models
good hands.” means a lot.” of Drug Response in Canine Os-
FTER TAKING TIME TO MOURN THE LOSS OF THEIR loves popcorn and peanut butter,” shared the couple’s youngest Three days later, following a successful teosarcoma: A Prospective Clinical
beloved golden retriever, Bailey, who died of cancer at the daughter. surgery, Duke returned home to his family. Trial Testing the COXEN Approach
Aage of 10, Heidi and Brad decided the time was right to bring In November 2017, the family noticed a bump on Duke’s left Although he tired easily the first few days, Each year, approximately 8,000 dogs is to determine if dogs with
a new fur family member home. They planned to surprise their three front leg. It didn’t seem to bother him, so they continued to moni- it didn’t take Duke long to get used to life are diagnosed with osteosarcoma. The osteosarcoma treated with
girls with the ultimate Christmas gift: a new puppy. tor. After returning home from a trip in early January, they noticed as a tripawd. median survival rate for patients receiv- chemotherapy protocols based on
Plans changed in November when the couple learned about a the bump had grown significantly. Concerned, they brought Duke “Through all of this, it’s amazing how ing standard of care is approximately 12 drug sensitivity determined by the
litter of 10-week-old golden retrievers. to their veterinarian who performed a fine needle aspirate as well resilient and happy Duke has remained,” months. Clinical trials, such as the COXEN COXEN method will have better
“When I went to visit the puppies, there were only two avail- as X-rays. The results indicated osteosarcoma or bone cancer. said Brad. study, are looking at better ways to treat outcomes compared to previous
able, a boy and a girl,” said Heidi. “Someone else was consider- Their veterinarian referred Duke and family to a veterinary oncol- Ultimately, Duke’s family decided to osteosarcoma and provide a longer and reports.
ing the female, and when I met this fluffy, adorable 10-week-old ogist to discuss treatment options. They learned about conven- enroll in the COXEN clinical trial, which better quality of life for pet patients, with
little guy, I knew I couldn’t wait until Christmas.” Duke joined their tional treatments, as well as clinical trials, particularly two trials at personalizes Duke’s chemotherapy pro- the goal of also helping people. The three-year study is funded, in
home soon after that first visit in the winter of 2010. CSU’s Flint Animal Cancer Center. tocol based on his specific tumor charac- part, by the Morris Animal Foun-
He quickly became the center of the family’s world with his While taking time to consider the treatment options, Brad talk- teristics. The COXEN algorithm to detect dation. To date, 52 canine patients
loving and chill personality. ed to his brother, an orthopedic surgeon, who had friends at the drug sensitivity of cancer cells is proven in have participated in the trial.
“He is truly a lovable dog; he loves his family and people in Limb Preservation Foundation, an organization dedicated to the people, and clinicians at the Flint Animal The study is a first step toward a
general,” shared Heidi and Brad. prevention and treatment of limb-threatening conditions. Through Cancer Center are working to prove its personalized medicine approach in
“He just has this personality that attracts people,” said Heidi. that connection, Brad learned about Dr. Nicole Ehrhart, a surgical efficacy in veterinary patients like Duke dogs with bone cancer.
“I’ve never seen anything like it; strangers are drawn to him and oncologist at the Flint Animal Cancer Center, who has collaborat- too. Duke started the trial three weeks
will walk right up to him when we’re out in public.” ed extensively with the Limb Preservation Foundation. after his surgery, receiving his first dose of For more information about the
Duke also loves when the house is full of guests or when the “All signs seemed to be pointing us to CSU,” said Brad. doxorubicin, a type of chemotherapy. He COXEN clinical trial, please visit
girls’ friends come to the house to play. The family visited CSU’s Flint Animal Cancer Center a few days returned three weeks later for blood work website.
In addition to people, Duke has two other passions. “Duke later with intention of pursuing a clinical trial. and his first dose of carboplatin, another

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