Drug trial studies plant-based oral cancer therapy for dogs

A clinical trial is set to test a new treatment for an aggressive form of oral cancer that affects dogs.

The trial by vets at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies will investigate the effectiveness of a plant-derived drug for treating canine oral melanoma.

Currently, there are limited treatment options for the disease – the most common cause of canine oral tumours – and dogs typically die less than one year after being diagnosed, the team says. 

Berry-based therapy

The new trial will investigate the effectiveness of a drug called tigilanol tiglate – derived from the berries of the blushwood tree, found only in parts of Queensland, Australia – against the disease. 

The drug disrupts blood vessels inside tumours without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.

If it proves effective against canine oral melanoma, the drug – currently licensed to treat a different form of canine cancer – could spare dogs the need to undergo invasive surgery, the team says.

The pilot trial will involve eight dogs, with the team planning to increase the number of participants if the initial results are promising. 

Human medicine

As well as benefiting canine health, the trial could also provide valuable insights into rare forms of cancer that affect people, the team says. 

Canine oral melanoma shares many common features with human mucosal melanoma, a fast-growing cancer that can lead to the formation of tumours in the nose, sinuses, mouth or oesophagus.

Similar to the disease in dogs, human patients with mucosal melanoma typically do not show symptoms until the disease is at an advanced stage, making it challenging to diagnose and treat.

The trial is being funded by QBiotics, the manufacturers of tigilanol tiglate, which is sold under the brand name Stelfonta. The funding will also support a PhD student, who will work on the trial. 

“This trial, in collaboration with QBiotics, represents a significant step forward in our work to find more effective and less invasive treatments for canine oral melanoma. By harnessing the power of a naturally-derived compound, we aim to offer new hope to dogs suffering from this aggressive disease, and potentially gain insights that could benefit human medicine as well. 

“If successful, this treatment could transform the way we approach cancer therapy in veterinary medicine, sparing many dogs from the need for surgery. 

“We encourage pet owners with dogs diagnosed with oral melanoma to consider participating in this trial. Your involvement could not only contribute to advancing treatment options for this challenging disease but also help improve the quality of life for dogs in the future.”

Kelly Blacklock, Professor of Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery

Owners whose dogs may be eligible to take part in the trial should consult their vet, who can contact Professor Blacklock at the email address below. 

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Contact Professor Kelly Blacklock