Palladia® (Toceranib)

Palladia® (containing Toceranib as the active ingredient) is a tablet medication primarily used to treat mast cell tumours (MCTs) in dogs. While primarily used for these tumours, it can be used off-label for various other cancer types. In cats, (although not as common) it can be used off-label for treating similar conditions.

The active ingredient (Toceranib) belongs to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors class. It works by blocking specific receptors on cancer cells and blood vessels, essentially cutting off the cancer’s supply of oxygen and nutrients.

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for how much and how often to give Palladia®. It is important to handle the tablets with gloves and do not break, split or crush them. Ideally give with food to not only help hide the tablet but can help reduce digestive upset. Do not give extra or double doses if a dose is missed; instead, consult your veterinarian.

Overdose:

In case of severe side effects, worsening of the pet’s condition, suspected overdose, or additional concerns, immediately contact your vet. For any poisoning emergencies, contact the New Zealand National Poisons Centre at www.poisons.co.nz/animal-helpline/ or phone 0800 869 738.

It is important to follow your veterinarian's guidance regarding what is best for your pet. However as a guide this medication is not recommended for pets under 24 months of age, weighing less than 5 kilograms, or for pregnant or nursing pets. It should also be avoided around the time of surgery due to risks of delayed healing and increased swelling or blood clot chances.

This medication may cause side effects such as vomiting, severe diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, lameness, weight loss, dehydration, decreased appetite, skin problems. There is an increased risk for pets that have pre-existing liver or kidney disease whilst taking this medication. It is important to consult your veterinarian with any concerns or if these symptoms begin to present.

Adhering to your veterinarian's storage guidelines is important. Generally, Palladia® should be stored at a controlled room temperature, avoiding extreme temperatures. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets.

Important Safety Handling:

Torceranib may cause birth defects. For pregnant women, accidental ingestion of Palladia® may have adverse effects on pregnancy. Women of child bearing age are advised to wear gloves when administering this product and should pay special attention to these handling precautions.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not routinely administer Palladia®, should avoid contact with faeces, urine and vomitus from treated dogs and broken or moistened Palladia® tablets. Children should not come into contact with this drug. Keep children away from vomit, stools and urine of treated dogs. To avoid exposure to the drug, wash hands with soap and water after administering Palladia® and wear protective gloves to prevent direct contact with vomit, stool and urine of treated dogs and when cleaning up broken or moistened tablets.

Is Palladia® a chemotherapy medication?

• Palladia® is not a traditional chemotherapy drug but a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), a form of targeted cancer therapy. It works by specifically blocking enzymes crucial for cancer cell growth and spread. This targeted approach allows for a more focused treatment of cancer cells, potentially leading to fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.

How effective is Palladia® in treating pets with cancer?

• The effectiveness of Palladia® varies depending on the specific type and stage of the cancer, along with their overall health. A study trial done in the US involving 153 dogs showed Palladia® tablets were effective in treating recurrent mast cell tumours in dogs. This trial showed a significant improvement over placebo tablets confirming Palladia’s efficacy.

What do I need to know to handle Palladia® safely?

• Because Palladia® is an anti-cancer drug, extra care must be taken when handling, administering and cleaning up after your dog. Since Palladia® can be present in their stool, urine and vomit it is important to handle it correctly to minimise the potential for exposure to people in contact or other dogs.
• Torceranib may cause birth defects. For pregnant women, accidental ingestion of Palladia® may have adverse effects on pregnancy. Women of child bearing age are advised to wear gloves when administering this product and should pay special attention to these handling precautions.
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not routinely administer Palladia®, should avoid contact with faeces, urine and vomitus from treated dogs and broken or moistened Palladia® tablets. Children should not come into contact with this drug. Keep children away from vomit, stools and urine of treated dogs. To avoid exposure to the drug, wash hands with soap and water after administering Palladia® and wear protective gloves to prevent direct contact with vomit, stool and urine of treated dogs and when cleaning up broken or moistened tablets.