New Drug Tanovea for Canine Lymphoma Patients

NorthStar VETS is proud to offer the first treatment approved for Canine Lymphoma. Tanovea-CA1 (rabacfosidine) is a classic chemotherapy in a class of drugs not in our typical protocols. It is unique in that it accumulates in lymphocytes, the cell from which this cancer comes, and stops the cells from dividing by inhibiting DNA synthesis. This drug is given intravenously over thirty minutes every three weeks for up to five treatments. Patients typically do not have to be sedated for treatment.

Side effects for this drug are typically mild and can include a low white blood cell count, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy and skin problems. Rarely, there can be other side effects including lung problems, and therefore is not recommended for West Highland White Terriers who are more prone to lung disease.

This drug is typically used as a rescue therapy after patients have failed first-line multi-drug therapy. Dogs who have B-cell lymphoma respond better than dogs with T-cell lymphoma.

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to your family veterinarian or schedule an appointment with the NorthStar VETS Oncology team.

Learn more about the Oncology service at NorthStar VETS

Jennifer Kim, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Dr. Kim grew up in New York and received her BA from the University of Pennsylvania. After two years at the National Cancer Institute performing cancer genetic research, she attended veterinary school at Tufts University. Dr. Kim completed a rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, New York, and an oncology internship at Cornell University. She began at NorthStar VETS as an emergency clinician in 2005 and returned in 2010 to treat oncology patients after completing her residency in medical oncology at Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine. In her free time, Dr. Kim is an avid foodie and knitter.