How To Choose The Right Chemo Protocol?

[Rickiesmom]

There seem to be 3 approaches to chemo for osteosarcoma, and I am wondering what the advantages (and disadvantages) are to each.

 

1. Alternating Doxorubicin and Carboplatin

 

- this seems pretty common, but I have no idea what the reasoning is for a 2-drug approach

 

2. Doxorubicin only

 

- safe for kidney-compromised dogs

 

3. Carboplatin alone

 

- recommended by Dr. Couto as having better survival rates than the other two

 

As some of you know, my Jaynie is now a tripod, and her oncologist is alternating the drugs - she has had one treatment with each to date. If I am going to discuss a change with him, I would like as much input as possible, including the rationale for the alternating approach. Guessing the drugs work in different ways, so it was a sort of double whammy, but no idea really.

 

Thank you for your help!

Edited May 4, 2014 by Rickiesmom

[Charlies_Dad]

We did Doxorubicin for Charlie but it can have side affects, heart damage. We went through the same dilemma you are facing and to be honest, in the end I do not believe it matters which you select. As for alternating, I recall reading about this when we did our research however did not think it was a protocol followed much anymore. I think you just need to consider the possible side affects of both and depending on your pup, select the most appropriate.

[4My2Greys]

The one thing I would take into consideration is the direct link between kidney disease and heart and cardiovascular disease. If the heart is already compromised because of kidney disease would the damage caused by doxorubicin prove to be too much for it. If you're not already you might consider giving her ubiqinol for her heart.

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/19096107/