Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Long-term results of photodynamic therapy for cat skin cancer
By Flickinger, Irene et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2018·Vetsuisse Faculty·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of long-term outcome and prognostic factors of feline squamous cell carcinomas treated with photodynamic therapy using liposomal phosphorylated meta-tetra(hydroxylphenyl)chlorine.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) on their heads and necks were treated with a special light therapy after receiving an injection of a photosensitizer. Out of 38 cats treated, 84% showed a positive response, with 61% achieving complete remission and a median survival time of 40 months. However, the study found that cats with larger or more invasive tumors had worse outcomes, indicating that this treatment may not be effective for advanced cases. Overall, photodynamic therapy showed promising results for many cats with this condition.
People also search for: cat squamous cell carcinoma treatment · feline cancer light therapy · cat skin cancer survival rate
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, long-term outcome and prognostic factors of feline squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: Cats with histologically verified SCC of the head and neck received an intravenous injection of liposomal phosphorylated meta-tetra(hydroxylphenyl)chlorine (mTHPC) and 4 h later 652 nm light was delivered by a diode laser. One group received ⩽10 J/cm, the other 20 J/cm. Tumour response and duration were analysed with stage, tumour diameter, location and treatment intensity as prognostic factors. RESULTS: In total, 63 lesions in 38 cats underwent treatment with ⩽10 J/cm2 (n = 22) and 20 J/cm(n = 41). Overall response rate was 84% (complete remission 61%, partial remission 22%) with a mean progression-free interval of 35 months (median not reached) and a median overall survival time of 40 months (95% confidence interval 33-47). With regard to tumour stage, invasiveness yielded a highly significant worse outcome ( P <0.017). All patients with invasive tumours showed progression at less than 6 months. Larger lesions were associated with inferior control and treatment intensity, and tumour location did not influence response and duration. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: PDT using a systemic photosensitiser leads to excellent long-term tumour control in the majority of cats. However, invasive and large tumours had a clearly inferior outcome, even if treated with the higher-dose intensity. This suggests that advanced lesions are not indications for PDT.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29359611/