Anti-cancer effects of Gynura procumbens leaves against recurrent multiple cutaneous mast cell tumor grade III in a 7 year-old chihuahua dog

Abstract

Background: Gynura procumbens, a well-known traditional herb, has been studied to be an effective chemotherapeutic agent against a wide range of cancer cell types. Case Description: A 7-year-old chihuahua dog was presented to the VTH with multiple cutaneous MCT grade III masses found on the cranial aspect of the right front leg and the dorsal aspect of the neck/back. Local excision of all cutaneous tumors were performed followed by chemotherapy (vinblastine, prednisone and cyclophosphamide) every 21-day interval for 9 treatments. Nearby three months later, recurrent MCT was observed and lomustine was used instead for 21-day interval. During the first chemotherapy, the dog had a fever, weak, lethargy and vomiting. Alternative natural therapy preferred, the dog has been received Gynura procumbens daily. The dog responded well to this herbal treatment. These recurrent masses began to shrink after a few weeks of treatment. Several months of treatment, all masses were completely gone. Moreover, no micro-metastasis to lungs, spleen and liver were detected. Conclusion: This natural herbal was helpful to stop the growth of tumor, to prevent micro-metastasis and to relieve the patient’s symptoms.