Chemotherapy with vincristine, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine response rates, median progression-free intervals (PFIs) and median survival times (MSTs) for cats with intermediate–large cell lymphoma treated with a vincristine, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone and prednisolone (CMOP) protocol. A secondary objective was to determine the tolerability of mitoxantrone used within this multiagent protocol. Methods The medical records of 31 cats treated at a single institution between 2009 and 2022 were reviewed to identify suitable cases. Cats were included in the study if they had a confirmed diagnosis of intermediate–large cell lymphoma, had received a CMOP protocol as first-line treatment and had completed at least one 4-week cycle of this protocol. Modifications allowed in the protocol included the use of l-asparaginase, vinblastine substitution for vincristine, chlorambucil substitution for cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone or methylprednisolone substitution for prednisolone. Results The overall response rate was 74% (n = 23), with 45% (n = 14) achieving complete remission (CR), 29% (n = 9) achieving partial remission (PR) and 26% (n = 8) achieving stable disease (SD). The Kaplan–Meier median PFI and MST were 139 days and 206 days, respectively. Responders (CR or PR) had a significantly longer ( P <0.001) median PFI and MST compared with non-responders (SD) (176 days vs 62 days, and 251 days vs 61 days, respectively). Cats that achieved CR had a significantly longer median PFI and MST ( P <0.001) at 178 days and 1176 days, respectively. The 6-month and 1- and 2-year survival rates in cats with CR were 64%, 57% and 35%, respectively. Treatment with mitoxantrone was generally well tolerated, with no cats experiencing Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group adverse effects above grade 2. Conclusions and relevance The CMOP protocol is an alternative and well-tolerated treatment for cats with intermediate–large cell lymphoma. As demonstrated with previous chemotherapy protocols, cats that respond to treatment, particularly those that achieve CR, are likely to have more durable responses.