A summary of responses to cancer therapy in cats
Ladiges, W.C.
Modern Veterinary Practice 61(3): 227-229
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0362-8140 PMID: 6245346 Document Number: 154756
Of 112 cats examined at a cancer clinic over 16 months, 92 had neoplasms or were positive for feline leukosis virus (FeLV) positive. Of 66 cats with malignant diseases 43 were treated and 30 responded with a median survival of 147 days. Most common types were lymphoma (27 of 66, 41%), lymphoblastic leukaemia (12 of 66, 18%) and adenocarcinoma (8 of 66, 12%). Of 26 FeLV-positive cats, 15 had associated malignant diseases and 7 were treated. Five received goat antiserum and were still viraemic after 220 days but showed no evidence of neoplasms. Two treated with Staphylococcus aureus toxin to remove IgG from the blood became FeLV-negative after 50 days. Of 27 cats with lymphoma, 11 were treated and 8 responded with a median survival of 170 days. Of 19 cats with leukaemia 14 were treated and 8 responded with a median survival of 61 days. 18 of 20 cats with solid-tissue neoplasms were treated and 14 responded with a median survival of 211 days. The treatments used are given in tables and the value of cancer clinics is discussed. Drugs used were cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, bleomycin, levamisole, prednisone and dexamethasone, given in combinations of two or four drugs.