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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Cobalt 60 radiotherapy for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in three horses.

Journal:
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Year:
1998
Authors:
Walker, M A et al.
Affiliation:
Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery · United States
Species:
horse

Plain-English summary

Three adult horses were treated for squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer affecting the nasal cavity and nearby sinuses, using a specific type of radiation therapy called cobalt 60 radiotherapy. This type of cancer is rare in horses, and in the past, treatment options were limited, often involving surgery, which typically had poor outcomes. However, the results from the radiation therapy were much better than what is usually seen with surgery, showing good to excellent long-term results. Based on these findings, veterinarians now recommend using this radiation therapy for treating this kind of cancer in horses.

Abstract

Three adult horses underwent aggressive treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, using course-fractionated cobalt 60 radiotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is not commonly diagnosed in horses. Historically, horses with this type of neoplasm have not been treated or have undergone some form of surgery. The prognosis for long-term survival or cure has been poor. Long-term results of cobalt 60 radiotherapy were good to excellent and exceeded those usually reported for horses treated surgically. On the basis of these results, use of radiotherapy for these neoplasms is recommended.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9530425/