Study shows promising results
German scientists have found a promising anti-cancer treatment for horses with melanoma.
A study published in the journal Chemico-Biological Interactions found that Betulinic acid could become an effective and safer treatment for equine melanoma compared to current treatments.
The drug, found in the bark of the white birch, is already used for treating melanomas in humans.
Speaking to The Horse magazine, Dr Richard Paschke of Martin Luther University, Germany, said that he was "optimistic" that this could be the new cure for skin cancer in horses.
Betulinic acid slows down the growth of cancer cells by breaking down the membranes of the mitochondria (the cell’s energy factory). If a cancer cell’s mitochondria stops working, it lacks energy and will eventually die.
In their study, researchers tested Betulinic acid and its two derivatives on two equine melanoma cell lines.
The researchers found that all three cell lines led to the death of both cell lines, mostly within 24-48 hours of treatment. The most effective compound was NVX-207 which showed high cytotoxicity on both equine melanoma cell lines.
The researchers then tested the drug in two grey horses to make sure that equines could handle the treatment safely and without any serious side effects.
According to Dr Paschke, regular clinical observation and blood tests showed that it was "well tolerated".
Current treatments for melanoma - particularly cisplatin - carry health risks for both horse owners and vets. Human exposure to the drug can result in kidney problems and allergic reactions.
The researchers say that the next step is to test the efficacy of Betulinic acid on a large group of horses affected with melanoma.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
