Palliative radiation therapy outcomes for cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma (1999-2005).
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 10% of all feline tumors. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe outcomes for a group of cats with oral SCC that were treated with palliative radiation therapy. Fifty-four cats met the inclusion criteria of nonresectable, oral SCC treated with coarse fractionated megavoltage (MeV) radiation therapy. Radiation therapy for all cats was delivered with a 6 MeV linear accelerator. Total radiation doses of 24 Gray to 40 Gray were administered in three to four fractions, once-per-week over 4 to 5 weeks. Concurrent chemotherapy protocols varied and were administered at the discretion of the clinician and client. Forty-nine patients completed the planned treatment protocols. Overall mean and median survival times for cats completing the planned treatment protocols were 127 and 92 days (n = 49). Mean and median survival times of cats receiving palliative radiation therapy alone were 157 and 113 days (n = 12). Mean and median survival times of patients receiving both radiation therapy and chemotherapy were 116 and 80 days (n = 37). Patients with sublingual tumors had a median survival time of 135 days (n = 15), compared to mandibular tumors that had a median survival time of 80 days (n = 26). For the majority of patients that completed the planned treatment protocol (65%), owners reported a subjectively improved quality of life. Findings from this uncontrolled study supported the use of palliative radiation therapy for cats with nonresectable oral squamous cell carcinoma.
PETS Referral Center, Berkeley, CA, 94710.
Aarti
A
Sabhlok
Rodney
R
Ayl
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002415:Cats; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010166:Palliative Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
oral squamous cell carcinoma; palliative care; radiation