Can Mast Cell Tumors be Cured? The short answer is YES. These tumors do
respond very well to modern therapy, by using a combination of surgery or
chemotherapy (sometimes radiation) along with immunomodulation therapy such
as K9 Immunity or some equivalent immune system enhancers. In fact, this
type of cancer has one of the best outcomes of any canine cancer. Lets look
at what Mast Cell Tumors are, how they form and the different treatment options
available today.
What Are Mast Cells?
Mast Cells are a special type of cell, which are involved in immune function
and found primarily in the skin (although they are also found throughout the
body). They make up about 20% of the skin cells in a dog, and are responsible
for allergy response, among other things. When the body is exposed to particular
types of harmful substances, the mast cells release chemical called histamine,
which causes the typical allergy-like response. They also produce other vital
chemicals which the body needs to survive, called cytokines. Even though mast
cells are primarily a type of immune cell, they can become cancerous. Cancer
is first and foremost an immune dysfunction disease. Tumors form when the
body fails to recognize as invaders the cells that have multiplied improperly.
In the last few years specialized compounds have become available for use
in cancer patients to try and correct this error. These are called immune
modulators. These immune modulator compounds often trigger the patient's "immune
recognition response" allowing the body to recognize and destroy the aberrant
cells. When this recognition response is triggered, the body re-learns how
to deal with the tumor cells as it would with any other wound, and destroys
those aberrant cells, producing healthy scar tissue in their place. These
immune modulators are different than the class of drugs called Chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs are toxic, and work by destroying the cancer cells directly.
Chemotherapy drugs are very useful in combating canine cancer, in that they
reduce the number of cancer cells present, but they do not address the underlying
cause that allowed the cancer in the first place. Immune modulator compounds
on the other hand are not toxic. They are a class of compounds called heteropolysaccharides,
which are naturally occurring in our foods and are required in all mammals
for triggering normal immune function. For some reason, in cancer patients
large amounts of these immune modulators are required to trigger that normal
rejection response, which in turn kills off the cancer cells.
Mast Cell Tumors Respond Very Well to Combination Therapy - They Can
Be Cured
There are many sites detailing the reasons mast cell tumors form, and
different technical information about mast cell tumors. These links can be
found at the bottom of this page for those who wish to go into greater detail
on the technical aspects. But for our purpose on this page, let's look at
what can be done to treat your dog and overcome this terrible disease:
Historically, surgery has been the first line treatment for mast cell tumors.
This is usually a very good option, depending on where the tumor is located,
how extensively it has spread and whether any major organs or underlying structures
are involved. After surgery, some type of chemotherapy drug is usually recommended
to clean up any remaining cancer cell not removed by the surgery. Chemotherapy
and surgery are both effective in removing the bulk of the tumors, but should
be seen as only one arm of a multi-pronged approach. This is because we all
know that surgery and chemotherapy do not cure cancer. The underlying cause
of the cancer is still there, which is the immune dysfunction that allowed
the tumor to form in the first place. Chemo and surgery do not deal with
this underlying immune dysfunction. However, when chemo and surgery are used
along with immune modulation therapy, the chances of a dog overcoming mast
cell cancer and surviving a normal life span are excellent. Ultimately, it
is only the patient's own immune system which can overcome the cancer. Until
and unless the immune recognition response is triggered, the patient cannot
overcome the cancer. That is why many Vets will tell you that the dog's life
can only be extended, but that the cancer is still present. While this was
certainly true in the past, modern research into immune modulation therapy
as an adjunct to conventional therapy has proved this to be no longer true.
Cancer can be cured. K-9 Immunity is a veterinary grade formula specifically
intended for use in dogs fighting cancer, to trigger the proper immune response.
Can My Dog Be Cured?
This is really the only question that matters. How well any dog will respond
to therapy is difficult to generalize. Treatment success depends on many factors,
such as the dog's age, his or her diet, their medical history, where the
tumor is located and how extensive it is and what major systems are involved.
Generally speaking, the earlier a mast cell tumor is diagnosed, the better
the outcome will be. Since most mast cell tumors occur on or just below the
skin, when they are found early, and surgically removed, immune modulation
usually assures that the dog is cured and the tumor does not recur.
Diet is of Vital Importance!
Cancer is the leading cause of death in American dogs. It is thought by
many experts that diet is the main reason for this. We feed our dogs a diet
based mostly on grain, even though none of the dog family feeds on grain
in the wild. Not the wolves, or coyotes, or dingoes, or hyenas, none of them.
Dogs have not evolved the necessary enzymes to digest or utilize grain in
their diet. They are primarily carnivores. When you feed a carnivore a diet
based on grain, they develop various immune dysfunctions, including cancer.
If it is diet that causes cancer in the first place, it seems pretty obvious
that diet is an important part in treating a dog with cancer. In fact, diet
is one of the most important factors in a successful treatment of mast cell
tumors! To give the dog the best possible chance of overcoming this challenge,
the proper nutrients must be fed. Don't make the mistake of thinking just
because a dog food is expensive. or because it is recommended by the vet or
has a fancy name, that it is necessarily the best option for your cancer patient.
There are some good recommendations for dog cancer diets found on the Dog Cancer Diet link.
K-9 Immunity™
An immune-modulator is something that helps regulate the immune system.
K-9 Immunity™ was first developed for Seeing Eye dogs being treated
for cancer, and is now available to clinics, veterinarians and direct to
the public. K-9 Immunity™ has been used in over 10,000 dogs with cancer,
with outstanding success. Talk to your vet to see if immune supplementation
may help your pet, or you can order direct and get started today! The links
on the left will guide you to more detailed information on this and other
products, there uses and dosages.
K-9 Immunity™ contains a class of immune-modulator compounds
called hetero-polysaccharides, including PSK, PSP and Lentinan, which are
the three most widely used anticancer compounds in the world today. This formula
also contains nearly 200 other closely related polysaccharide which trigger
other aspects of immune function. These compounds are sometimes referred to
as glyconutrients, and are required for correct immune function in all mammals.
K-9 Immunity™ is available in the USA (and many other countries) without
a prescription. K-9 Immunity™ is an all-natural, non-toxic daily supplement
made from 100% USDA Certified Organic materials. It is made in America at
Aloha Medicinals FDA registered facility to the highest pharmaceutical standards.
If you are outside the USA, call or email our order desk for full details
on any shipping or permit requirements for your country. We currently have
permits for shipping to over 30 countries, so chances are we can get this
to you. You can reach the order department at 775-886-6301 for any special
permit or shipping information.
We invite and encourage Veterinarians and Oncologists to contact us for
specific information and recommendations for use on particular patients.
You can reach our research department at 775-886-6301 for professional assistance.
We also offer special Veterinarian and clinic discounts so you can carry
this in your practice. We invite you to join us in accumulating statistical
data by providing feedback on your clinical results. We would be glad to
provide you with the forms to do so at no cost.
reprinted with kind permission from John Holliday
Director of Research
Aloha Medicinals Inc
Tel: 001.775.886.6300
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The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not
to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis
of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of
any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
