Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Radiation and firocoxib combined to treat dog nasal cancer
By Cancedda, Simona et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2015·Centro Oncologico Veterinario, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Combination of radiation therapy and firocoxib for the treatment of canine nasal carcinoma.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with nasal cancer received a combination of radiation therapy and a pain medication called firocoxib to see if it would help them live longer and feel better. While the combination didn't significantly extend their survival time compared to just radiation, those receiving firocoxib showed a notable improvement in their quality of life, especially in terms of activity and appetite. Overall, the treatment was safe and helped make these dogs more comfortable during their illness.
People also search for: dog nasal cancer treatment · firocoxib for dogs · radiation therapy for dog cancer · improving dog quality of life with cancer
Abstract
Carcinomas represent two-thirds of canine nasosinal neoplasms. Although radiation therapy (RT) is the standard of care, the incidence of local recurrence following treatment is high. Cyclooxygenase-isoform-2 (COX-2) is expressed in 71-95% of canine nasal carcinomas and has been implicated in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Accordingly, COX-2 inhibition seems rational to improve outcome. Dogs with histologically confirmed, previously untreated nasal carcinomas were randomized to receive the combination of a selective COX-2 inhibitor (firocoxib) and palliative RT (Group 1) or RT and placebo (Group 2). Patients were regularly monitored with blood tests, urinalysis, and computed tomography. Pet owners were asked to complete monthly a quality-of-life questionnaire. Twenty-four dogs were prospectively enrolled. According to Adams modified system, there were five stage 1, five stage 2, three stage 3, and 11 stage 4 tumors. Two dogs had metastases to regional lymph nodes. Median progression-free interval and overall survival were 228 and 335 days in Group 1 (n = 12) and 234 and 244 days in Group 2 (n = 12). These differences were not statistically significant. The involvement of regional lymph nodes was significantly associated with progression-free interval and overall survival (P = 0.004). Quality of life was significantly improved in Group 1 (P = 0.008). In particular, a significant difference was observed for activity and appetite. Although not providing a significant enhancement of progression-free interval and overall survival, firocoxib in combination with RT is safe and improved life quality in dogs with nasal carcinomas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25703137/