Comparison of 3 protocols for treatment after induction of remission in dogs with lymphoma.
BACKGROUND
The optimal treatment after inducing complete remission (CR) in dogs with lymphoma has not been established.


OBJECTIVE
After inducing CR with L-asparaginase, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone (L-CHOP); consolidation with either half-body radiation therapy (HBRT); or lomustine (CCNU) and mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone (MOPP) would improve first remission duration compared with continuing a CHOP-based protocol for an additional 4 months.


METHODS
Dogs with stage III-V lymphoma.


METHODS
Prospective clinical trial in which dogs initially were treated with an 8-week induction protocol that consisted of L-CHOP. Dogs in CR after induction were then allocated to 1 of 2 consolidation arms. A chemotherapy consolidation arm consisted of 2 treatments with CCNU and 1 cycle of MOPP. A HBRT arm consisted of 2 sequential 8.0-Gy fractions to the cranial and caudal half-body separated by 30 days. Vincristine was given between fractions. Results of the consolidation arms also were compared with a historical group treated with the same 8-week induction protocol followed by CHOP therapy until week 24.


RESULTS
Overall, 67% of the dogs were in CR after 8 weeks of induction chemotherapy and were compared. Fifty-two dogs were in the historical arm, 23 in the CCNU/MOPP arm, and 27 in the HBRT arm. No difference in first remission duration was found among groups. Median first remission duration for the historical, CCNU/MOPP, and HBRT arms were 307, 274, and 209 days, respectively (P = .28). Overall second CR rate was 82% and was not different among groups (all P > or = .58). Overall remission duration (P = .28) and survival time (P = .48) were not different among groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Consolidation with either CCNU/MOPP or HBRT showed no advantage over a standard CHOP-based protocol.
Rassnick
Kenneth M
KM
Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 31, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. kmr32@cornell.edu
McEntee
Margaret C
MC
Erb
Hollis N
HN
Burke
Blaise P
BP
Balkman
Cheryl E
CE
Flory
Andrea B
AB
Kiselow
Michael A
MA
Autio
Karoliina
K
Gieger
Tracy L
TL
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012074:Remission Induction
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents