Use of carboplatin for treatment of dogs with malignant melanoma: 27 cases (1989-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate response rate and duration of malignant melanomas in dogs treated with carboplatin.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
27 client-owned dogs with spontaneously occurring measurable malignant melanomas.


METHODS
Records of dogs with melanomas treated with carboplatin from October 1989 to June 2000 were reviewed. Carboplatin was administered IV at doses of 300 or 350 mg/m2 of body surface area. Response to treatment and evidence of drug toxicity were determined.


RESULTS
Response to treatment could be evaluated in 25 dogs. Of those, overall response rate was 28%. One dog had a complete response, 6 (24%) dogs had a partial response (> 50% reduction in tumor burden). Median duration of partial response was 165 days. Eighteen dogs had stable disease (n = 9; 36%) or progressive disease (9; 36%). Response to treatment was significantly associated with carboplatin dose on a milligram per kilogram basis (15.1 mg/kg 16.9 mg/lb] of body weight vs 12.6 mg/kg [5.7 mg/lb]). Evidence of gastrointestinal toxicosis could be assessed in 27 dogs. Mean body weight of 5 dogs that developed gastrointestinal toxicosis was significantly less than that of 22 dogs without gastrointestinal toxicosis (9.9 kg [21.8 lb] vs 19.3 kg [42.5 lb]).


CONCLUSIONS
Carboplatin had activity against macroscopic spontaneously occurring malignant melanomas in dogs and should be considered as an adjunctive treatment for microscopic local or metastatic tumors. Gastrointestinal toxicosis was associated with body weight. Because small dogs are more likely to have adverse gastrointestinal effects, gastrointestinal protectants should be considered for these patients.
Rassnick
K M
KM
Harrington Oncology Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University , North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Ruslander
D M
DM
Cotter
S M
SM
Al-Sarraf
R
R
Bruyette
D S
DS
Gamblin
R M
RM
Meleo
K A
KA
Moore
A S
AS
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001835:Body Weight; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016190:Carboplatin