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

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 veterinary teaching hospital 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 was performed followed by chemotherapy (vinblastine, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide) every 21-day interval for 9 treatments. Nearby 3 months later, recurrent MCT was observed and lomustine was used instead for 21-day intervals. During the first chemotherapy, the dog had a fever, weak, lethargy, and vomiting. Alternative natural therapy is preferred, the dog has been receiving G. procumbens daily. The dog responded well to this herbal treatment. These recurrent masses began to shrink after a few weeks of treatment. After several months of treatment, all masses were completely gone. Moreover, no micro-metastasis to the lungs, spleen, and liver were detected.

Conclusion: This natural herbal was helpful to stop the growth of tumors, to prevent micro-metastasis, and to relieve the patient's symptoms.