Epirubicin in the adjuvant treatment of splenic hemangiosarcoma in dogs: 59 cases (1997-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and toxic effects of epirubicin for the adjuvant treatment of dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma and identify prognostic factors.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
59 client-owned dogs that underwent splenectomy for splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with or without epirubicin.


METHODS
Medical records were examined for signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and postoperative outcome. For dogs treated with epirubicin, dose numbers, intervals, and reductions and type and severity of toxic effects were recorded. Dogs were allotted to 2 groups: splenectomy alone and splenectomy with adjuvant epirubicin treatment.


RESULTS
18 dogs received epirubicin (30 mg/m(2)) every 3 weeks for up to 4 to 6 treatments. Forty-one dogs were treated with splenectomy alone. The overall median survival time was significantly longer in dogs treated with splenectomy and epirubicin (144 days), compared with splenectomy alone (86 days). Median survival time for dogs with stage I disease (345 days) was significantly longer than for dogs with either stage II (93 days) or III disease (68 days). Seven of 18 dogs treated with epirubicin were hospitalized for signs of adverse gastrointestinal effects. Inappetence, long duration of clinical signs, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia, and high mitotic rate were negative prognostic factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Epirubicin may be as efficacious as adjuvant doxorubicin-based protocols, but may result in a higher incidence of adverse gastrointestinal effects. Epirubicin should be considered as an alternative to doxorubicin in dogs with preexisting cardiac disease, as clinical epirubicin cardiotoxicity was not diagnosed in treated dogs.
Kim
Stanley E
SE
Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Liptak
Julius M
JM
Gall
Trent T
TT
Monteith
Gabrielle J
GJ
Woods
J Paul
JP
D000818:Animals; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006394:Hemangiosarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D013160:Splenic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D015251:Epirubicin