Alimentary lymphoma in cats: 28 cases (1988-1993).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate response to chemotherapy in cats with alimentary lymphoma and to determine factors associated with survival time.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
28 cats with alimentary lymphoma that underwent chemotherapy.


RESULTS
In all cats, the diagnosis had been established by means of cytologic or histologic examination of ultrasound-guided aspirates and biopsy specimens (18 cats), histologic examination of surgically obtained biopsy specimens (7 cats), or examination of specimens obtained endoscopically (3 cats). Clinical signs included anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Twenty-seven cats were treated with vincristine sulfate, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone; 1 was treated with chlorambucil and prednisone. Survival time ranged from 2 to 2,120 days (median, 50 days). Nine cats achieved complete remission (remission time ranged from 30 to 1,700 days; median, 213 days), 2 achieved partial remission, and 17 failed to respond to chemotherapy. Sex, FeLV status, hematocrit, serum total protein concentration, site and extent of gastrointestinal involvement, and clinical stage were not found to be associated with survival time.


CONCLUSIONS
Cats with alimentary lymphoma are poorly responsive to treatment with vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone; however, a small subset of cats may have long survival times.
D000818:Animals; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome