Can short-term fasting produce a favorable tissue immune response to help fight osteosarcoma or oral melanoma?
Cancer cells have a unique metabolism that is highly dependent on the abundance of glucose. Recent studies in mice have shown that calorie restriction slows cancer progression and improves response to chemotherapy. Other studies in dogs and people have also shown that short-term fasting can reduce chemotherapy side effects. It is not clear yet why this happens, but is suspected that fasting positively impacts a patient's immune system and how it responds to their cancer. The purpose of this study is to learn more about how the tissue environment and immune responses that surround a tumor might be changed by short-term (48 hours) fasting.
What qualifies my pet for enrollment?
Dogs must be > 15kgs (33 lbs.) and diagnosed at the OSU Veterinary Medical Center by tissue biopsy with oral melanoma or appendicular osteosarcoma (osteosarcoma of the limbs). After a biopsy diagnosis, dogs undergoing limb amputation or other surgical removal of their tumor are potentially eligible to participate in this study. They must be healthy enough to have general anesthesia for surgery. Dogs who are not otherwise generally healthy or who have signs of cancer spread to other areas of the body (metastasis) are not eligible. Dogs with hormonal problems that would prevent them from safely participating in a short-term fast, such as diabetes, Cushing's disease or Addison's disease cannot participate.
What does enrolling my pet in this clinical trial involve?
Dogs will be randomized to either a fasting or control group and hospitalized for 48 hours prior to surgical removal of their tumor. Under supervision in the hospital, the fasting group will have free access to water, but food will be held. The control group will consume normal meals during this time. All dogs will be monitored for any changes in blood pressure, glucose levels, and behavior.
Client compensation
For dogs that meet all the criteria to participate, the cost of the initial biopsy, the hospitalization for the fasting period and all the related lab work and sample collection for the two day study will be paid for by the study. These dogs and their owners will also receive $500 to use toward their dog's cancer treatment at the OSU Veterinary Medical Center.
PRE-SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
If you believe your pet may be eligible to enter this study, please fill out a pre-screening questionnaire.