Chemotherapeutic Effects of Docetaxel and Gene Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor During Regression of Mammary Tumours in Canines

Background: In this study the chemotherapeutic effects of docetaxel and gene expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) during regression of mammary tumour in canines were evaluated. Methods: Sixteen dogs suffering from canine mammary tumour were randomly divided into two groups viz. I and II and subjected to Docetaxel @ 30mg/m2 weekly, four consecutive cycles, (Group I) and surgical excision of tumour followed by chemotherapy with Docetaxel @ 30mg/m2 weekly, four consecutive cycles, (Group II). The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by clinical, radiological, ultrasonography, haemato-biochemical and histopathological evaluation including gene expression profiling of EGFR using Real-time PCR analysis. Result: On the basis of the above parameters studied it was concluded that combination of surgery and chemotherapy using docetaxel is an effective treatment for the regression of mammary tumour and can be used safely by the field veterinarian. Real-time PCR analysis also revealed down-regulation of EGFR gene in group II.