Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma Treatment

Eckstein, C., F. Guscetti, et al. (2009). "A retrospective analysis of radiation therapy for the treatment of feline vaccine-associated sarcoma." Vet Comp Oncol 7(1): 54-68.

Feline vaccine-associated sarcomas occur in about 1 in 10,000 vaccinated cats, comprise about 40% of all skin tumors, and are the most frequent skin tumor in cats. These tumors are highly invasive and rapidly growing. This study, among other goals, examined the effect of curative radiation treatment on survival time after surgery. Curative treatment (higher dosages, more frequent administration) did improve outcome. Cats with a poorer prognosis and given reduced radiation therapy benefited from the addition of chemotherapy by increased survival time. Both protocols are legitimate options for vaccine-associated sarcomas. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kass, P. H., W. L. Spangler, et al. (2003). "Multicenter case-control study of risk factors associated with development of vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 223(9): 1283-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

Romanelli, G., L. Marconato, et al. (2008). "Analysis of prognostic factors associated with injection-site sarcomas in cats: 57 cases (2001-2007)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1193-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Eckstein, C., F. Guscetti, et al. (2009). "A retrospective analysis of radiation therapy for the treatment of feline vaccine-associated sarcoma." Vet Comp Oncol 7(1): 54-68.

Feline vaccine-associated sarcomas occur in about 1 in 10,000 vaccinated cats, comprise about 40% of all skin tumors, and are the most frequent skin tumor in cats. These tumors are highly invasive and rapidly growing. This study, among other goals, examined the effect of curative radiation treatment on survival time after surgery. Curative treatment (higher dosages, more frequent administration) did improve outcome. Cats with a poorer prognosis and given reduced radiation therapy benefited from the addition of chemotherapy by increased survival time. Both protocols are legitimate options for vaccine-associated sarcomas. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kass, P. H., W. L. Spangler, et al. (2003). "Multicenter case-control study of risk factors associated with development of vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 223(9): 1283-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

Romanelli, G., L. Marconato, et al. (2008). "Analysis of prognostic factors associated with injection-site sarcomas in cats: 57 cases (2001-2007)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1193-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Treatment of Feline Mammary Cancer

McNeill, C. J., K. U. Sorenmo, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for the treatment of feline mammary carcinoma." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 23(1): 123-129.

Mammary carcinoma is the third most common cancer of cats. Female cats with a mean age of 10 to 12 years are primarily affected and approximately 90% of mammary tumors are malignant. Mammary tumors are characterized by local invasion into vasculature and surrounding tissues along with metastasis to distant locations such as draining lymph nodes, lungs, and other sites. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate whether adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy improved outcomes for cats with mammary carcinoma (MC) compared with surgery alone. Seventy-three cats with naturally occurring, biopsy-confirmed MC were included in the study. The surgery alone group contained 37 cats and 36 cats were in the surgery plus chemotherapy group (adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy). Median disease free survival and overall survival times were compared between groups. This study did not find a benefit to adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in cats with MC. Additional studies are recommended to determine whether certain patients with negative prognostic factors (e.g., tumor size at time of surgical intervention) may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Overley, B., F. S. Shofer, et al. (2005). "Association between ovarihysterectomy and feline mammary carcinoma." J Vet Intern Med 19(4): 560-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

Viste, J. R., S. L. Myers, et al. (2002). "Feline mammary adenocarcinoma: tumor size as a prognostic indicator." Can Vet J 43(1): 33-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

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McNeill, C. J., K. U. Sorenmo, et al. (2009). "Evaluation of adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for the treatment of feline mammary carcinoma." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 23(1): 123-129.

Mammary carcinoma is the third most common cancer of cats. Female cats with a mean age of 10 to 12 years are primarily affected and approximately 90% of mammary tumors are malignant. Mammary tumors are characterized by local invasion into vasculature and surrounding tissues along with metastasis to distant locations such as draining lymph nodes, lungs, and other sites. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate whether adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy improved outcomes for cats with mammary carcinoma (MC) compared with surgery alone. Seventy-three cats with naturally occurring, biopsy-confirmed MC were included in the study. The surgery alone group contained 37 cats and 36 cats were in the surgery plus chemotherapy group (adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy). Median disease free survival and overall survival times were compared between groups. This study did not find a benefit to adjuvant doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in cats with MC. Additional studies are recommended to determine whether certain patients with negative prognostic factors (e.g., tumor size at time of surgical intervention) may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Overley, B., F. S. Shofer, et al. (2005). "Association between ovarihysterectomy and feline mammary carcinoma." J Vet Intern Med 19(4): 560-3.
>> PubMed Abstract

Viste, J. R., S. L. Myers, et al. (2002). "Feline mammary adenocarcinoma: tumor size as a prognostic indicator." Can Vet J 43(1): 33-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Nasal Lymphoma in Cats

Haney, S. M., L. Beaver, et al. (2009). "Survival analysis of 97 cats with nasal lymphoma: a multi-institutional retrospective study (1986-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 23(2): 287-294.

While lymphoma is one of the most common cancer types affecting cats, nasal lymphoma is relatively rare. This retrospective study examined survival times in cats given different therapies, and evaluated response to treatment, duration of response, and prognostic factors. Records of 97 cats from various veterinary centers in the United States diagnosed with nasal lymphoma were analyzed. Two methods of survival analysis were used. In the first method, only deaths caused by progressive lymphoma were counted. The median survival time for these cats, regardless of treatment modality, was 536 days. In the second method, all deaths regardless of cause were counted. The median survival time for these cats was 172 days. There were no statistical differences in survival times based on treatment modality (radiation therapy alone, chemotherapy alone, radiation therapy plus chemotherapy). The results must be interpreted with caution, as many confounding variables were present. The investigators did note that inclusion of radiation therapy was critical to controlling the disease at the site (nasal cavity), and a higher dose of radiation may increase survival time. Anemia appeared to be an indicator of poor prognosis. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Little, L., R. Patel, et al. (2007). "Nasal and nasopharyngeal lymphoma in cats: 50 cases (1989-2005)." Vet Pathol 44(6): 885-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sfiligoi, G., A. P. Theon, et al. (2007). "Response of nineteen cats with nasal lymphoma to radiation therapy and chemotherapy." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 48(4): 388-93.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Haney, S. M., L. Beaver, et al. (2009). "Survival analysis of 97 cats with nasal lymphoma: a multi-institutional retrospective study (1986-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 23(2): 287-294.

While lymphoma is one of the most common cancer types affecting cats, nasal lymphoma is relatively rare. This retrospective study examined survival times in cats given different therapies, and evaluated response to treatment, duration of response, and prognostic factors. Records of 97 cats from various veterinary centers in the United States diagnosed with nasal lymphoma were analyzed. Two methods of survival analysis were used. In the first method, only deaths caused by progressive lymphoma were counted. The median survival time for these cats, regardless of treatment modality, was 536 days. In the second method, all deaths regardless of cause were counted. The median survival time for these cats was 172 days. There were no statistical differences in survival times based on treatment modality (radiation therapy alone, chemotherapy alone, radiation therapy plus chemotherapy). The results must be interpreted with caution, as many confounding variables were present. The investigators did note that inclusion of radiation therapy was critical to controlling the disease at the site (nasal cavity), and a higher dose of radiation may increase survival time. Anemia appeared to be an indicator of poor prognosis. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Little, L., R. Patel, et al. (2007). "Nasal and nasopharyngeal lymphoma in cats: 50 cases (1989-2005)." Vet Pathol 44(6): 885-92.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sfiligoi, G., A. P. Theon, et al. (2007). "Response of nineteen cats with nasal lymphoma to radiation therapy and chemotherapy." Vet Radiol Ultrasound 48(4): 388-93.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Treatment for Mast Cell Tumors in Cats

Rassnick, K. M., L. E. Williams, et al. (2008). "Lomustine for treatment of mast cell tumors in cats: 38 cases (1999-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1200-5.


Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are commonly diagnosed in cats, particularly in cutaneous locations. These tumours have a range of biological behavior from benign to malignant. Most cutaneous MCTs are readily treated with surgery or local radiation. Alternative treatments are needed for those cats where surgery or radiation is not an option, or where these modalities have failed to prevent recurrence. In this retrospective case series, the clinical efficacy and toxicity of lomustine was evaluated in 38 cats with confirmed mast cell tumors. Lomustine was administered at a dose at or equal to 50 mg/m(2). Of the 38 cats, most (68%) had cutaneous MCTs but tumors were also diagnosed in other locations, such as mesenteric lymph nodes. The overall response rate was 50%, with 7 cats having a complete response. The median duration of response was 168 days. The most commonly noted toxicoses were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The researchers conclude that lomustine should be considered for cats with MCTs where local treatment is not an option.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Turrel, J., J. Farrelly, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of strontium 90 irradiation in treatment of cutaneous mast cell tumors in cats: 35 cases (1992-2002)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(6): 898-901.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Rassnick, K. M., L. E. Williams, et al. (2008). "Lomustine for treatment of mast cell tumors in cats: 38 cases (1999-2005)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1200-5.


Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are commonly diagnosed in cats, particularly in cutaneous locations. These tumours have a range of biological behavior from benign to malignant. Most cutaneous MCTs are readily treated with surgery or local radiation. Alternative treatments are needed for those cats where surgery or radiation is not an option, or where these modalities have failed to prevent recurrence. In this retrospective case series, the clinical efficacy and toxicity of lomustine was evaluated in 38 cats with confirmed mast cell tumors. Lomustine was administered at a dose at or equal to 50 mg/m(2). Of the 38 cats, most (68%) had cutaneous MCTs but tumors were also diagnosed in other locations, such as mesenteric lymph nodes. The overall response rate was 50%, with 7 cats having a complete response. The median duration of response was 168 days. The most commonly noted toxicoses were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The researchers conclude that lomustine should be considered for cats with MCTs where local treatment is not an option.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Turrel, J., J. Farrelly, et al. (2006). "Evaluation of strontium 90 irradiation in treatment of cutaneous mast cell tumors in cats: 35 cases (1992-2002)." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(6): 898-901.
>> PubMed abstract


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Quality of Life for Cats Receiving Chemotherapy

Tzannes, S., M. F. Hammond, et al. (2008). "Owners 'perception of their cats' quality of life during COP chemotherapy for lymphoma." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 73-81.


Lymphoma is one of the most common feline cancers and many owners opt for chemotherapy as a treatment option. Most owners are concerned about quality of life for feline cancer patients, both with and without chemotherapy. Questionnaires on quality of life (QOL) were completed by the owners of 31 cats undergoing treatment for lymphoma between 2002 and 2006. All cats were treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (COP). QOL scores were significantly higher in cats before the onset of cancer than after, but before the start of chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, QOL scores were also lower than before the onset of cancer, but were significantly higher than prior to starting treatment. The majority of cats (87%) experienced adverse effects during treatment. Most pet owners (83%) were happy they treated their cats and most (87%) would treat another cat. The results of this questionnaire survey indicate that COP chemotherapy is well tolerated by cats according to owner perceptions of QOL.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Teske, E., G. van Straten, et al. (2002). "Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) in cats with malignant lymphoma: new results with an old protocol." J Vet Intern Med 16(2): 179-186.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation

Tzannes, S., M. F. Hammond, et al. (2008). "Owners 'perception of their cats' quality of life during COP chemotherapy for lymphoma." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 73-81.


Lymphoma is one of the most common feline cancers and many owners opt for chemotherapy as a treatment option. Most owners are concerned about quality of life for feline cancer patients, both with and without chemotherapy. Questionnaires on quality of life (QOL) were completed by the owners of 31 cats undergoing treatment for lymphoma between 2002 and 2006. All cats were treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (COP). QOL scores were significantly higher in cats before the onset of cancer than after, but before the start of chemotherapy. During chemotherapy, QOL scores were also lower than before the onset of cancer, but were significantly higher than prior to starting treatment. The majority of cats (87%) experienced adverse effects during treatment. Most pet owners (83%) were happy they treated their cats and most (87%) would treat another cat. The results of this questionnaire survey indicate that COP chemotherapy is well tolerated by cats according to owner perceptions of QOL.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Teske, E., G. van Straten, et al. (2002). "Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) in cats with malignant lymphoma: new results with an old protocol." J Vet Intern Med 16(2): 179-186.
>> PubMed abstract


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation

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