Testing two generic drugs to improve outcomes in osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer

Combo, Drug, Oncology, Pre-clinical, Prof. Allen, Rare Disease, University of Cambridge

Principal Investigator: Prof. Matthew Allen​

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Disease: Osteosarcoma

Research Description: Although osteosarcoma (OSA) is a rare type of cancer, it is the most common bone cancer in children, with only 50-60% of patients surviving 5 years or longer after diagnosis. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor followed by chemotherapy. Recent research has suggested that inflammation following surgery may stimulate cancer spread and therapies to limit inflammation possibly could reduce spread and improve patient survival. Dogs are ten times more likely than humans to develop OSA, and they develop the same pattern of clinical disease as children. In this project, Dr. Allen’s team will determine whether a combination of two generic drugs, the heart medication propranolol and the anti-inflammatory robenacoxib, can improve clinical outcomes in naturally occurring canine OSA. Positive results from this study could provide a strong rationale for moving on to repurposing clinical trials in human OSA patients.

Funding Partners: Dogs for Cures

CWR funding role: Participating funder

 

Past Research