The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it has fully approved Tanovea (rabacfosadine injection) to treat lymphoma in dogs.  This is the first conditionally approved new animal drug to gain full FDA approval.

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine reports that “While canine lymphoma affects fewer than 70,000 dogs in the U.S. annually, it accounts for up to 24 percent of all cancers in dogs, making it one of the most significant canine cancers.”

Lymphoma is caused by the abnormal growth of white blood cells called lymphocytes.  It most commonly begins in the lymph nodes, spleen, or bone marrow.

According to the FDA, the primary goal of veterinary cancer drugs is to extend survival while maintaining an animal’s comfort and quality of life.

Tanovea works by destroying rapidly growing cancer cells.  It is administered as an IV injection over the course of 30 minutes.  Treatment is repeated every three weeks for five doses.

Studies found that the drug extends survival rate by 61 days; dogs with a complete response to the drug had a survival rate that extended to 168 days.

As with other cancer treatments, this drug must be administered by a veterinarian and does have side effects.  Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about treatment options if your pet is diagnosed with cancer.