Grant Amount: $119,065

Dr. Simon R. Platt, BVMS, University of Georgia

January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015

Breed(s): Bullmastiff

Disease(s): Brain Tumors

Research Program Area: Oncology

Abstract

Drs. Simon Platt (University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine) and Costas Hadjipanayis (Emory University School of Medicine) will take a One Medicine approach to treating canine glioma brain tumors. Brain tumors in humans and animals are often devastating and fatal diseases. Many are not accessible to surgical removal which is the main treatment option. Likewise, chemotherapy has traditionally been ineffective because systemic delivery is prevented by the blood-brain barrier. In an effort to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into brain tumors, a procedure called convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has been developed. This procedure utilizes small catheters, placed directly into tumors which allow direct drug delivery, limiting systemic drug concentrations, and therefore minimizing side effects. In this study dogs will undergo CED treatment with the monoclonal antibody cetuximab conjugated to magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody specific to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which is over-expressed in the majority of canine gliomas. Cetuximab is FDA-approved for use in several cancers in humans. When combined with IONPs, cetuximab can be visualized utilizing MRI. The dogs will be monitored clinically and with MRI over the next twelve months. The aim is a significant decrease in MRI volume of the tumors and ultimately, tumor-free survival of patients.