Description
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), cell signaling molecules on the surface of cancer cells, are some of the most common targets for new human cancer therapeutics. Recently, 2 RTK inhibiting drugs, Palladia and Masivet (Kinavet), have been approved for the treatment of canine mast cell tumours, and more may be on the way. This hour will discuss the biology and function of RTKs, what is known about their importance in canine cancer, and the data regarding safety and effectiveness of Palladia and Kinavet in canine mast cell tumours and other neoplasia. Strategies for the monitoring of patients receiving these medications and ongoing evaluations will be discussed in detail.
Dr. Thamm is an Associate Professor and Barbara Cox Anthony Chair in Oncology and at the Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center. He is also a member of the Developmental Therapeutics Section of the University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program at Colorado State University. Dr. Thamm received his Bachelor’s and V.M.D. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed a Residency in Medical Oncology at the University of Wisconsin, and was a researcher there for 5 additional years before joining the faculty at CSU in 2004. He is the author of over 80 peer-reviewed publications in veterinary and basic cancer research, was Oncology Section Editor for the 2 most recent editions of Kirk’s Veterinary Therapy and is Co-Editor-In-Chief of the journal Veterinary and Comparative Oncology. His clinical and research interests include novel targeted therapies for animal and human cancer and ways to integrate these therapies with existing treatment.