Lesions in the oral cavity of cats

Santarelli GA, Matteo I, Bellucci C and Lepri E. Lesions of the oral cavity in the cat: a review on 228 cases (2005-2010). Veterinaria (Cremona). 2012; 26: 7. 
 
Oral lesions are common in cats. Many are associated with the teeth and supporting structures (e.g., tooth resorption, gingivitis, stomatitis, etc.) but other types of lesions occur not associated with dental disease. These lesions may appear as ulcerative or proliferative tumor-like abnormalities. In this retrospective study, the investigators examined biopsy findings from 228 cats with oral disease. 

Most lesions were not cancerous, but were inflammatory in nature (61%). Of the inflammatory lesions, the majority were classified as chronic lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis. Tumors were found in 25% of the cases, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. Thus, the majority of oral lesions are not cancerous; when cancerous, they may be ulcerative in nature rather than proliferative. Only a biopsy with microscopic examination of tissues (histopathology) can definitively diagnose oral lesions in cats. [MK]

See also: Buelow ME, Marretta SM, Barger A and Lichtensteiger C. Lingual lesions in the dog and cat: recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. J Vet Dent. 2011; 28: 151-62. 

Related blog articles:
Improving treatment for feline oral cancer (Sept 2012)
Oral cancer in cats (August 2010)

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Santarelli GA, Matteo I, Bellucci C and Lepri E. Lesions of the oral cavity in the cat: a review on 228 cases (2005-2010). Veterinaria (Cremona). 2012; 26: 7. 
 
Oral lesions are common in cats. Many are associated with the teeth and supporting structures (e.g., tooth resorption, gingivitis, stomatitis, etc.) but other types of lesions occur not associated with dental disease. These lesions may appear as ulcerative or proliferative tumor-like abnormalities. In this retrospective study, the investigators examined biopsy findings from 228 cats with oral disease. 

Most lesions were not cancerous, but were inflammatory in nature (61%). Of the inflammatory lesions, the majority were classified as chronic lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis. Tumors were found in 25% of the cases, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. Thus, the majority of oral lesions are not cancerous; when cancerous, they may be ulcerative in nature rather than proliferative. Only a biopsy with microscopic examination of tissues (histopathology) can definitively diagnose oral lesions in cats. [MK]

See also: Buelow ME, Marretta SM, Barger A and Lichtensteiger C. Lingual lesions in the dog and cat: recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. J Vet Dent. 2011; 28: 151-62. 

Related blog articles:
Improving treatment for feline oral cancer (Sept 2012)
Oral cancer in cats (August 2010)

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Improving treatment for feline oral cancer

Final report, Winn grant W10-043
PET-CT of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Investigator: Elissa Randall, Colorado State University
 
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not only the most common oral tumor in cats, but it accounts for about 10% of all feline tumors. To date, treatments have had limited success and short survival times. This study was designed to evaluate an imaging method used in human medicine for head and neck cancers called positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). PET imaging provides functional information about biological activity in the tumor and tissues, while CT imaging provides anatomic information. Twelve cats with OSCC had PET-CT performed: 7 cases prior to stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with a second PET-CT after therapy, and 5 cases with imaging performed prior to SRT only.

All the tumors were found to be hypermetabolic on PET scans. Metastasis in local and somewhat distant lymph nodes was detected by PET-CT. Meeting these two objectives indicates that PET-CT is a valid potential tool for tumor staging in cats with OSCC. All the tumors were identified and well-visualized with post-treatment PET-CT. However, residual tumor could not be differentiated from reactive tissue when PET-CTs were performed one month after radiation treatment.

There were no major complications noted in any of the cats during the imaging studies and associated biopsies. PET-CT was found to offer a major benefit in cats with OSCC through better detection and delineation of the primary tumor. This allowed for the development of better treatment plans by radiation oncologists in the study. [VT]

See also: Final report, Winn grant W09-032 (Molecular pathology of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma)

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Final report, Winn grant W10-043
PET-CT of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Investigator: Elissa Randall, Colorado State University
 
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not only the most common oral tumor in cats, but it accounts for about 10% of all feline tumors. To date, treatments have had limited success and short survival times. This study was designed to evaluate an imaging method used in human medicine for head and neck cancers called positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). PET imaging provides functional information about biological activity in the tumor and tissues, while CT imaging provides anatomic information. Twelve cats with OSCC had PET-CT performed: 7 cases prior to stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with a second PET-CT after therapy, and 5 cases with imaging performed prior to SRT only.

All the tumors were found to be hypermetabolic on PET scans. Metastasis in local and somewhat distant lymph nodes was detected by PET-CT. Meeting these two objectives indicates that PET-CT is a valid potential tool for tumor staging in cats with OSCC. All the tumors were identified and well-visualized with post-treatment PET-CT. However, residual tumor could not be differentiated from reactive tissue when PET-CTs were performed one month after radiation treatment.

There were no major complications noted in any of the cats during the imaging studies and associated biopsies. PET-CT was found to offer a major benefit in cats with OSCC through better detection and delineation of the primary tumor. This allowed for the development of better treatment plans by radiation oncologists in the study. [VT]

See also: Final report, Winn grant W09-032 (Molecular pathology of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma)

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Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma

Final report, Winn grant W09-032
Molecular pathology of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Investigators: Susan M. LaRue, E.J. Ehrhart
Colorado State University

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a devastating disease in cats and accounts for approximately 10% of all feline tumors. The goal of the study’s investigators was to establish protocols for molecular biomarkers and to characterize the nature of this tumor so a better treatment protocol could be developed in the future.
They first developed protocols for immune staining of tissues and antibodies against three different biological markers. 

One important detail learned was that sample processing is one of the most important factors affecting immunoreactivity of feline tissues. Due to this important finding, immunohistochemical techniques will be used only in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues that do not undergo bone decalcification. The study results also noted that cats with high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression had a tendency toward a shorter overall survival. This may suggest a possible usefulness for anti-EGFR therapy in future studies. 

Finally, there was statistically significant correlation between one biomarker score, Ki67, and another marker, mitotic indexes. This relationship has not been reported previously in feline OSCC and suggests that these particular cancer cells with Ki67 can keep proliferating without going into a rest or dying phase. Such a result could go a long way to explaining the impression that feline OSCC is a fast-growing cancer. [VT]

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Final report, Winn grant W09-032
Molecular pathology of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
Investigators: Susan M. LaRue, E.J. Ehrhart
Colorado State University

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a devastating disease in cats and accounts for approximately 10% of all feline tumors. The goal of the study’s investigators was to establish protocols for molecular biomarkers and to characterize the nature of this tumor so a better treatment protocol could be developed in the future.
They first developed protocols for immune staining of tissues and antibodies against three different biological markers. 

One important detail learned was that sample processing is one of the most important factors affecting immunoreactivity of feline tissues. Due to this important finding, immunohistochemical techniques will be used only in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues that do not undergo bone decalcification. The study results also noted that cats with high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression had a tendency toward a shorter overall survival. This may suggest a possible usefulness for anti-EGFR therapy in future studies. 

Finally, there was statistically significant correlation between one biomarker score, Ki67, and another marker, mitotic indexes. This relationship has not been reported previously in feline OSCC and suggests that these particular cancer cells with Ki67 can keep proliferating without going into a rest or dying phase. Such a result could go a long way to explaining the impression that feline OSCC is a fast-growing cancer. [VT]

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Feline oral cancer: new treatment options

Winn grant W11-027
Cetuximab Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Investigators: Stuart Helfand and Krystal Claybrook; Oregon State University

Elderly cats are most at risk for oral cancer

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is a common and deadly cancer for which there are no truly effective therapies. This study’s long-term aim is to suppress growth of FOSCC by interrupting signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR-signaling is a known trigger for cell growth making it a desirable target for therapy. The study considers two strategies of interest that share the same goal of impeding EGFR signaling. One method is to use cetuximab for monoclonal antibody blockade of the receptor. The alternate method is use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) blockade of the receptor’s activation site. The impairment of signaling suppresses a number of processes that would otherwise promote malignant behavior. 

Previous study results showed EGFR is expressed by the only cell line of FOSCC available and that cetuximab can bind to FOSCC biopsy tissue. Despite the prior data, this investigator unexpectedly discovered that cetuximab did not bind to the cells. The study then turned to pursuing the alternate approach to block EGFR signaling by examining a TKI drug, gefitinib, on proliferation of this cell line. Results in this instance confirmed the ability to interrupt EGFR signaling in the cell line by using gefitinib, resulting in suppression of the tumor cells. Data has indicated that this approach is effective and may facilitate use of lower drug doses while achieving superior cell killing.

Additional time is needed to confirm the results and validate targeting of gefitinib (and another TKI drug, dasatinib) to EGFR by western blot analysis. [VT]

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Winn grant W11-027
Cetuximab Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Investigators: Stuart Helfand and Krystal Claybrook; Oregon State University

Elderly cats are most at risk for oral cancer

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is a common and deadly cancer for which there are no truly effective therapies. This study’s long-term aim is to suppress growth of FOSCC by interrupting signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR-signaling is a known trigger for cell growth making it a desirable target for therapy. The study considers two strategies of interest that share the same goal of impeding EGFR signaling. One method is to use cetuximab for monoclonal antibody blockade of the receptor. The alternate method is use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) blockade of the receptor’s activation site. The impairment of signaling suppresses a number of processes that would otherwise promote malignant behavior. 

Previous study results showed EGFR is expressed by the only cell line of FOSCC available and that cetuximab can bind to FOSCC biopsy tissue. Despite the prior data, this investigator unexpectedly discovered that cetuximab did not bind to the cells. The study then turned to pursuing the alternate approach to block EGFR signaling by examining a TKI drug, gefitinib, on proliferation of this cell line. Results in this instance confirmed the ability to interrupt EGFR signaling in the cell line by using gefitinib, resulting in suppression of the tumor cells. Data has indicated that this approach is effective and may facilitate use of lower drug doses while achieving superior cell killing.

Additional time is needed to confirm the results and validate targeting of gefitinib (and another TKI drug, dasatinib) to EGFR by western blot analysis. [VT]

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Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma

O'Neill SH, Newkirk KM, Anis EA et al: Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in feline premalignant and invasive squamous cell carcinoma, Vet Dermatol 22:68, 2011.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of feline skin and oral cavity.  In humans, it has been suggested that human papillomaviruses along with ultraviolet light may act as cofactors in human skin cancer. These researchers determined the prevalence of papillomavirus in cutaneous and non-cutaneous pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions (SCCs) in 84 cats using virus genetic detection (PCR). Evidence of papillomavirus infection was found in 20 of the 126 samples tested. Interestingly, 50% of them were found to be most similar to human papillomavirus. The role of UV light in feline SCC remains unclear, and any causal relationship between SCCs and papillomaviruses in cats cannot be concluded. Papillomavirus was present in more cases than originally identified; the researchers point out the need for a larger prospective study to determine its role. [MK]

Related articles:

Munday JS, Dunowska M, De Grey S: Detection of two different papillomaviruses within a feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature, N Z Vet J 57:248, 2009.

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O'Neill SH, Newkirk KM, Anis EA et al: Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in feline premalignant and invasive squamous cell carcinoma, Vet Dermatol 22:68, 2011.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of feline skin and oral cavity.  In humans, it has been suggested that human papillomaviruses along with ultraviolet light may act as cofactors in human skin cancer. These researchers determined the prevalence of papillomavirus in cutaneous and non-cutaneous pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions (SCCs) in 84 cats using virus genetic detection (PCR). Evidence of papillomavirus infection was found in 20 of the 126 samples tested. Interestingly, 50% of them were found to be most similar to human papillomavirus. The role of UV light in feline SCC remains unclear, and any causal relationship between SCCs and papillomaviruses in cats cannot be concluded. Papillomavirus was present in more cases than originally identified; the researchers point out the need for a larger prospective study to determine its role. [MK]

Related articles:

Munday JS, Dunowska M, De Grey S: Detection of two different papillomaviruses within a feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature, N Z Vet J 57:248, 2009.

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Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Sabattini S, Marconato L, Zoff A et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression is predictive of poor prognosis in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12: 760, 2010. 

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant skin tumor in cats. The most frequently affected sites include the nasal planum, pinnae (ears), and eyelids. Development of this skin tumor has been associated with chronic sunlight exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and assess its prognostic role. Nineteen biopsy samples were tested for EGFR expression using immunohistochemistry. Fourteen of 19 tumors (73.7%) were positive for EGFR. EGFR expression was not found to be linked with tumor differentiation and mitotic activity. The data from the study suggest that activation of the EGFR signaling pathway is possibly involved in the progression of SCC. EGFR expression also carries a negative prognostic significance in these tumors. This could indicate that use of EGFR inhibitors in association with conventional treatment may someday be a treatment option. [VT]

Related articles:

Looper JS, Malarkey DE, Ruslander D et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in feline oral squamous cell carcinomas, Vet Comp Oncol 4: 33, 2006.

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Sabattini S, Marconato L, Zoff A et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression is predictive of poor prognosis in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 12: 760, 2010. 

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant skin tumor in cats. The most frequently affected sites include the nasal planum, pinnae (ears), and eyelids. Development of this skin tumor has been associated with chronic sunlight exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and assess its prognostic role. Nineteen biopsy samples were tested for EGFR expression using immunohistochemistry. Fourteen of 19 tumors (73.7%) were positive for EGFR. EGFR expression was not found to be linked with tumor differentiation and mitotic activity. The data from the study suggest that activation of the EGFR signaling pathway is possibly involved in the progression of SCC. EGFR expression also carries a negative prognostic significance in these tumors. This could indicate that use of EGFR inhibitors in association with conventional treatment may someday be a treatment option. [VT]

Related articles:

Looper JS, Malarkey DE, Ruslander D et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in feline oral squamous cell carcinomas, Vet Comp Oncol 4: 33, 2006.

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Oral Cancer in Cats

Gendler A, Lewis JR, Reetz JA, et al. Computed tomographic features of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats: 18 cases (2002-2008). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;236:319-325.

This is a retrospective study of 18 cats with a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The objective was to describe the computed tomographic (CT) features of OSCC in cats and identify any imaging characteristics associated with survival time. Oral tumors comprise 3% to 10% of all neoplasms of cats with SCC, accounting for 61.2% to 76.2% of those oral tumors. OSCC is a locally invasive disease that is considered to have a low potential for metastasis. On oral examination under general anesthesia, masses were most frequently found in the sublingual or lingual region (7/18) and in the maxilla (5/18). The study enabled identification of several common CT features of OSCC in cats. One finding included marked heterogenous contrast enhancement of masses and adjacent osteolysis on images of sublingual and maxillary mucosal images. CT may be used to define mass extension accurately and facilitate lymph node extension in cats with OSCC, but these features did not correlate with survival time. Soft palate lesions were noted on oral examination 4 times more frequently as on CT images. These findings indicate that a thorough oral examination is particularly important for evaluation of patients with small lesions or those localized to the soft palate, tonsils, or pharynx. CT imaging of patients with head and neck neoplasia is therefore of value for defining the extent of a mass, the involvement of adjacent structures, and the identification of regional metastasis. [VT]

Related articles:
Wypij JM, Fan TM, Fredrickson RL, et al. In vivo and in vitro efficacy of zoledronate for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats. J Vet Intern Med 2008;22:158-163.

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Gendler A, Lewis JR, Reetz JA, et al. Computed tomographic features of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats: 18 cases (2002-2008). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;236:319-325.

This is a retrospective study of 18 cats with a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The objective was to describe the computed tomographic (CT) features of OSCC in cats and identify any imaging characteristics associated with survival time. Oral tumors comprise 3% to 10% of all neoplasms of cats with SCC, accounting for 61.2% to 76.2% of those oral tumors. OSCC is a locally invasive disease that is considered to have a low potential for metastasis. On oral examination under general anesthesia, masses were most frequently found in the sublingual or lingual region (7/18) and in the maxilla (5/18). The study enabled identification of several common CT features of OSCC in cats. One finding included marked heterogenous contrast enhancement of masses and adjacent osteolysis on images of sublingual and maxillary mucosal images. CT may be used to define mass extension accurately and facilitate lymph node extension in cats with OSCC, but these features did not correlate with survival time. Soft palate lesions were noted on oral examination 4 times more frequently as on CT images. These findings indicate that a thorough oral examination is particularly important for evaluation of patients with small lesions or those localized to the soft palate, tonsils, or pharynx. CT imaging of patients with head and neck neoplasia is therefore of value for defining the extent of a mass, the involvement of adjacent structures, and the identification of regional metastasis. [VT]

Related articles:
Wypij JM, Fan TM, Fredrickson RL, et al. In vivo and in vitro efficacy of zoledronate for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats. J Vet Intern Med 2008;22:158-163.

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Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Role of Papillomavirus

Munday, J.S., M. Dunowska, and S. De Grey, Detection of two different papillomaviruses within a feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature. N Z Vet J, 2009. 57(4): p. 248-51.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are among the most common malignant skin cancers of cats. There is evidence that papillomaviruses promote SCC development on sun-exposed areas in humans. About 100 papillomaviruses are known in humans, but only a few in dogs and cats. Previous reports have identified papillomaviruses in a certain proportion of canine SCC. This paper describes the identification (using PCR) of viral DNA from two distinct papillomaviruses in an invasive SCC on the nose of a 15-year-old cat. One of the two viruses has never been described before. It is also the first time that multiple papillomaviruses have been detected in a single cancerous lesion in a cat. This finding supports the association between papillomaviruses and SCC in cats. If papillomaviruses influence the development of feline SCC, new approaches to treatment may be possible. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Munday, J.S., et al., Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers. Vet Dermatol, 2007. 18(4): p. 241-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

Zaugg, N., et al., Detection of novel papillomaviruses in canine mucosal, cutaneous and in situ squamous cell carcinomas. Vet Dermatol, 2005. 16(5): p. 290-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Munday, J.S., M. Dunowska, and S. De Grey, Detection of two different papillomaviruses within a feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature. N Z Vet J, 2009. 57(4): p. 248-51.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are among the most common malignant skin cancers of cats. There is evidence that papillomaviruses promote SCC development on sun-exposed areas in humans. About 100 papillomaviruses are known in humans, but only a few in dogs and cats. Previous reports have identified papillomaviruses in a certain proportion of canine SCC. This paper describes the identification (using PCR) of viral DNA from two distinct papillomaviruses in an invasive SCC on the nose of a 15-year-old cat. One of the two viruses has never been described before. It is also the first time that multiple papillomaviruses have been detected in a single cancerous lesion in a cat. This finding supports the association between papillomaviruses and SCC in cats. If papillomaviruses influence the development of feline SCC, new approaches to treatment may be possible. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Munday, J.S., et al., Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers. Vet Dermatol, 2007. 18(4): p. 241-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

Zaugg, N., et al., Detection of novel papillomaviruses in canine mucosal, cutaneous and in situ squamous cell carcinomas. Vet Dermatol, 2005. 16(5): p. 290-8.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Papillomavirus

Munday, J. S., L. Howe, et al. (2008). "Detection of papillomaviral DNA sequences in a feline oral squamous cell carcinoma." Res Vet Sci 86(2): 359-361.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas constitute 7.5% of all feline cancers, and often lead to death in affected cats. In humans, these tumors are associated with papillomavirus in about 25% of the cases. To investigate the association of papillomavirus with feline oral tumors, 40 oral lesions (20 cancerous, 20 non-cancerous) were examined for viral DNA. Papillomaviral DNA was detected in one oral tumor, but not in any non-cancerous lesion. Finding viral DNA in only one tumor did not indicate a causal relationship. The finding of viral DNA does however indicate additional research into the carcinogenic potential of these viruses in cats is warranted; the carcinogenic potential of papillomaviruses in general and the finding here of viral DNA in a feline oral tumor hints at a possible role. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Munday, J. S., M. Kiupel, et al. (2007). "Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 241-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sundberg, J., M. Van Ranst, et al. (2000). "Feline papillomas and papillomaviruses." Vet Pathol 37(1): 1-10.
>> PubMed Abstact

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Munday, J. S., L. Howe, et al. (2008). "Detection of papillomaviral DNA sequences in a feline oral squamous cell carcinoma." Res Vet Sci 86(2): 359-361.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas constitute 7.5% of all feline cancers, and often lead to death in affected cats. In humans, these tumors are associated with papillomavirus in about 25% of the cases. To investigate the association of papillomavirus with feline oral tumors, 40 oral lesions (20 cancerous, 20 non-cancerous) were examined for viral DNA. Papillomaviral DNA was detected in one oral tumor, but not in any non-cancerous lesion. Finding viral DNA in only one tumor did not indicate a causal relationship. The finding of viral DNA does however indicate additional research into the carcinogenic potential of these viruses in cats is warranted; the carcinogenic potential of papillomaviruses in general and the finding here of viral DNA in a feline oral tumor hints at a possible role. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Munday, J. S., M. Kiupel, et al. (2007). "Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers." Vet Dermatol 18(4): 241-5.
>> PubMed Abstract

Sundberg, J., M. Van Ranst, et al. (2000). "Feline papillomas and papillomaviruses." Vet Pathol 37(1): 1-10.
>> PubMed Abstact

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Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Cats

Bexfield, N. H., A. J. Stell, et al. (2008). "Photodynamic Therapy of Superficial Nasal Planum Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Cats: 55 Cases." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 22(6): 1385-1389.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin tumour found in cats. It often affects areas that are non-pigmented and with little hair, such as the nose, eyelids, and ears. Conventional therapies for SCC include surgery and radiation. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer therapy that uses visible light to activate photosensitizer agents that localize in the target tissue. The photosensitizing agent 5-ALA can be administered topically, and has previously been evaluated for feline cancer therapy in a small study. Fifty-five cats with SCC of the nose referred to the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (University of Cambridge, UK) were enrolled in the prospective study. The 5-ALA cream was applied topically every 30 minutes for a period of 6-8 hours. The cats were lightly sedated and medicated for pain, and all wore an Elizabethan collar. Illumination of the lesions was performed with light emitting diodes while the patients were under general anesthesia. Cats were reassessed one month after PDT. Outcomes were defined as complete response, partial response, or no response. Ninety-six percent of the cats responded to therapy, with 85% having a complete response. However, there was a recurrence rate of 51% at a median interval of 157 days. Although PDT does not lead to a complete remission in all SCC cases, it has the benefit of being safe, well tolerated, and cosmetically acceptable.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Hammond, G. M., I. K. Gordon, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of strontium Sr 90 for the treatment of superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum in cats: 49 cases (1990-2006)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(5): 736-41.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Bexfield, N. H., A. J. Stell, et al. (2008). "Photodynamic Therapy of Superficial Nasal Planum Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Cats: 55 Cases." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 22(6): 1385-1389.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin tumour found in cats. It often affects areas that are non-pigmented and with little hair, such as the nose, eyelids, and ears. Conventional therapies for SCC include surgery and radiation. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer therapy that uses visible light to activate photosensitizer agents that localize in the target tissue. The photosensitizing agent 5-ALA can be administered topically, and has previously been evaluated for feline cancer therapy in a small study. Fifty-five cats with SCC of the nose referred to the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (University of Cambridge, UK) were enrolled in the prospective study. The 5-ALA cream was applied topically every 30 minutes for a period of 6-8 hours. The cats were lightly sedated and medicated for pain, and all wore an Elizabethan collar. Illumination of the lesions was performed with light emitting diodes while the patients were under general anesthesia. Cats were reassessed one month after PDT. Outcomes were defined as complete response, partial response, or no response. Ninety-six percent of the cats responded to therapy, with 85% having a complete response. However, there was a recurrence rate of 51% at a median interval of 157 days. Although PDT does not lead to a complete remission in all SCC cases, it has the benefit of being safe, well tolerated, and cosmetically acceptable.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Hammond, G. M., I. K. Gordon, et al. (2007). "Evaluation of strontium Sr 90 for the treatment of superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum in cats: 49 cases (1990-2006)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(5): 736-41.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Carboplatin For Treatment Of Cancer in Cats

Kisseberth, W. C., D. M. Vail, et al. (2008). "Phase I clinical evaluation of carboplatin in tumor-bearing cats: a veterinary cooperative oncology group study." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 83-8.


Carboplatin (Paraplatin, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is an alkylating agent widely used as chemotherapy for certain tumors in humans and dogs. In cats, only isolated case reports exist. Little investigation has been done to investigate the optimal dose and efficacy of this drug in cats with tumors. In this study, 59 cats with naturally occurring solid tumors were treated with carboplatin. Cats were enrolled in the study from several different institutions and had various tumor types, such as injection-site sarcomas and oral squamous cell sarcomas. The starting dose was 160 mg/m(2) of body surface area and the dose was increased in cohorts of cats until the maximally tolerated dose was determined. The maximally tolerated dose was 240 mg/m(2) and the dose limiting toxicity was neutropenia. The lowest neutrophil and platelet counts occurred 2 to 3 weeks after drug administration. There was no evidence of drug-induced kidney toxicity or pulmonary edema. There was one cat with complete response to treatment, and six cats with partial responses. The dose of carboplatin recommended by the researchers is 240 mg/m(2) IV every 3 to 4 weeks. Carboplatin appears to be safe and well tolerated in cats.
>> PubMed abstract


Veterinary Cancer Society


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Kisseberth, W. C., D. M. Vail, et al. (2008). "Phase I clinical evaluation of carboplatin in tumor-bearing cats: a veterinary cooperative oncology group study." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 83-8.


Carboplatin (Paraplatin, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is an alkylating agent widely used as chemotherapy for certain tumors in humans and dogs. In cats, only isolated case reports exist. Little investigation has been done to investigate the optimal dose and efficacy of this drug in cats with tumors. In this study, 59 cats with naturally occurring solid tumors were treated with carboplatin. Cats were enrolled in the study from several different institutions and had various tumor types, such as injection-site sarcomas and oral squamous cell sarcomas. The starting dose was 160 mg/m(2) of body surface area and the dose was increased in cohorts of cats until the maximally tolerated dose was determined. The maximally tolerated dose was 240 mg/m(2) and the dose limiting toxicity was neutropenia. The lowest neutrophil and platelet counts occurred 2 to 3 weeks after drug administration. There was no evidence of drug-induced kidney toxicity or pulmonary edema. There was one cat with complete response to treatment, and six cats with partial responses. The dose of carboplatin recommended by the researchers is 240 mg/m(2) IV every 3 to 4 weeks. Carboplatin appears to be safe and well tolerated in cats.
>> PubMed abstract


Veterinary Cancer Society


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

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