(700.9) Targeted Osmotic Lysis of Advanced Carcinoma in Companion Animals

Poster Board Number: B140

Dennis Paul (LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans), Samantha Edenfield (LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans), Paige Miller (Oleander Medical Technologies), Kelly Sherman (LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans), Fabio Del Piero (LSU School of Veterinary Medicine), Harry Gould (LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans)

Targeted osmotic lysis (TOL) is a novel technology that involves the concomitant stimulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and pharmacological blockade of Na+, K+-ATPase (sodium pumps) causing selective osmotic lysis of highly malignant cancer cells that may offer an option for treating advanced carcinomas in companion animals. We hypothesized, that as in experimental animals, TOL would be able to increase survival beyond that anticipated for animals with advance carcinoma without adversely affecting quality of life. Accordingly, we treated 2 feline and 3 canine companion animals in which TOL was used to safely treat advanced carcinoma. Based on available pre-clinical evidence for safety, efficacy and lack of off-target damage to normal tissue, companion animals diagnosed with advanced carcinomas that were experiencing impaired behavior and functionality were offered trial treatment with TOL. When practical, biopsy samples were obtained to determine the level of VGSC expression. Digoxin was administered to achieve steady-state, therapeutic tissue levels.  The animals were then exposed to pulsed electric field stimulation. Post-treatment measurements of tumor size and assessments of behavior and functionality were compared to pre-treatment observations made by the owners and by the treating veterinarian. The frequency of treatments and survival varied, based on the patient’s level of pre-morbid functioning and response to treatment. In all five cases, TOL the animals survived beyond the prognosis. In 3 cases, owners reported behavioral improvement. The results support the hypothesis that TOL may provide a therapeutic option with broad application in veterinary practice as a safe, well-tolerated and effective option for treating patients with advanced stage carcinoma.

Support or Funding Information

This Research was supported by a grant from the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation and a contract with Oleander Medical Technologies, LLC