New non-alkylating agents in veterinary medicine

摘要

Advances in chemotherapy for cancer are happening at a very rapid pace. A variety of new drugs are coming to market in human medicine and are being adapted for clinical veterinary use. In addition, several very old drugs have been re-introduced intoclinical practice. These agents offer the potential for longer and more meaningful remissions for veterinary cancer patients with disseminated diseases. Plant alkaloids are mitotic spindle poisons active in G2 and M phases of cell division (vinca alkaloids, taxanes) or are topoisomerase interactive agents (etoposide and teniposide). They are derived from periwinkle (Vinca rosea), Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia) and mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) plants. Vincristine and vinblastine are most commonly used, and new. drugs such as etoposide and teniposide are being used in human medicine but have not yet received widespread use in veterinary oncology. The Taxols are finding a place in the veterinary oncologist's armamentarium at this time. Myelosuppression accompanies the use of all drugs in this class.