Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Study Investigating New Drug Safety and Effects on Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carinoma (SCC)
Principal Investigator: John Lewis, VMD, FAVD, Dipl. AVDC
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral cancer in cats and people. In cats, it is a devastating disease with a median survival time of approximately 60 days. Penn Vet recently received a generous gift in memory of "Bud", a cat affected by maxillary SCC, with the establishment of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma Research Fund.
With this fund, the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital Dentistry and Oral Surgery service is currently recruiting cats diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma to be included in a new study evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of two polyamine inhibitor drugs, 2-Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and MQT 1569.
Polyamines are compounds found in cells that play a role in cell replication and growth. Polyamines are often elevated in tumor cells. By administering the two drugs, DFMO and MQT 1569, and preventing polyamines from working, the study hopes to find that tumor growth is delayed or halted.
Eligibility:
* your cat must have been diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma with a biopsy
* you have opted not to have surgery performed to remove the tumor or pursue other chemotherapy or radiation treatment, either by your veterinarian’s advice or your own choice
* if your cat previously had surgery to remove a squamous cell carcinoma and the cancer has recurred, he or she is still eligible
* your cat must have a reasonably good appetite and you must be willing and able to give oral liquid medication three times per day
Benefits to enrolling your cat in this study include a physical exam at each visit; blood work including complete blood count, chemistry screen, and thyroid level; urinalysis; chest x-rays; dental x-rays; a CT-scan of the head; lymph node aspirates and repeat tumor biopsies at no charge. You will also be supplied with the investigational medications at no charge.
You must be able to bring your cat to MJR-VHUP for the initial visit, a follow-up visit two weeks later and the final visit one month from the initial visit.
If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact the Veterinary Clinical Investigations Center at 215-573-0302 or
[email protected]