Title: Clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of mebendazole in canine glioma patients

Investigator:

Maureen Bennett, DVM
Marc Kent, DVM, DACVIM
Renee Barber, DVM, PhD, DACVIM

If interested, please have your primary veterinarian request additional information from our Clinical Trials office at 706-296-7818 or through the University of Georgia (UGA) Neurology Service at [email protected].

Study description:

This pilot study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of an FDA-approved dewormer medication (mebendazole) as a sole treatment agent in dogs with suspected glioma who would otherwise pursue palliative care. Mebendazole is an FDA-approved anthelminthic drug that is approved for use in animals and humans, has a wide safety profile for both short and long-term use, and has demonstrated multiple anti-neoplastic properties in vivo and in vitro. Potential benefits for patients entering this trial include shrinkage of the previously diagnosed tumor, prolonged disease-free period of life, and prolonged survival time following diagnosis. We hypothesize that mebendazole treatment combined with palliative care therapy will prolong disease-free interval and survival time compared to palliative care therapy alone in dogs with intracranial glioma.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with glioma

Exclusion criteria:

• Dogs that are on metronidazole or cimetidine
• Dogs that have been diagnosed with another type of cancer

Dogs with an MRI diagnosis of intracranial glioma will receive daily mebendazole, along with prescribed anti-seizure medications and steroids (if indicated) to manage clinical signs associated with their glioma. All dogs will return for monthly rechecks at UGA in which a brief physical exam, neurologic exam, and blood draw will be performed. For dogs who survive to 6 months post enrollment, a recheck brain MRI will be performed at that time. Study funds will cover the cost of the daily mebendazole, monthly visits and lab work, 6 month MRI and general anesthesia, and a post-mortem MRI and brain autopsy.

Duration of study:

The study is currently OPEN.

Potential benefits to veterinary medicine:

This study provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the sole effect of mebendazole in a patient population who would otherwise pursue palliative care, helping to advance the standard of medicine in both pets and people.