Charlie is a current One Cure clinical trials patient in the GEM-IB for osteosarcoma (bone cancer) study. This study is testing a new drug that combines a bone-targeting agent with a chemotherapy drug in an attempt to increase the concentration of the cancer drug at the site of the tumor, with the hopes of decreasing pain in the affected limb. If this treatment proves to be effective, there is a possibility it could be offered as a treatment option for all dogs with osteosarcoma in the future, and possibly even people with bone cancer. Charlie’s dad, Clay, wrote the following about their journey thus far:
“The learning experiences our dogs give us are a source of constant education and wonderment. Even with the most difficult of situations, there is so much they teach us. Charlie is my 10-year-old Great Dane. We’ve had her since she was 8 weeks old. She is a Harlequin Dane, meaning her coloring is black and white, like a Holstein cow. Her eyes are colored one blue and one brown.
“Just before her 10th birthday, she was diagnosed with bone cancer. At 103 pounds, she had been in near-perfect health all of her life. Our local vet read about the clinical trials at the CSU veterinary hospital and recommended we consider them. We chose to apply for an osteosarcoma study.
“There are four phases in this trial. Charlie is the last dog to be admitted in this fourth and final phase. If all goes as planned, this research could help other dogs and maybe even people someday.
“It has not been easy on Charlie, her family, or her rescued brother. We live in Steamboat Springs, so the trek to Fort Collins is 3.5 hours, on a good day, but the drive is the easy part in comparison to what Charlie endures with bone cancer. We come back week after week for her treatment.
“It’s not easy, but we know it is worth it. We will do anything for our dogs. Despite the drive and challenges, I knew this was the best path for her, for me, and for everyone, this research will benefit in the future.
“Being in a clinical trial is the best way for her end-of-life scenario to play out. She has a chance to enjoy life more and live a little longer while providing a lasting benefit for many others.
“We are honored to be a part of all of this. The entire One Cure trials team is wonderful. I am grateful that we have the ability to do this, and I have hope for the future because of what Charlie and the others have taught us.”
– Clay Gardner, Charlie’s owner