Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Paclitaxel chemotherapy for malignant tumors in cats and side effects
By Kim, Jennifer et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2015·NorthStar VETS, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Exploration of paclitaxel (Taxol) as a treatment for malignant tumors in cats: a descriptive case series.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of nine cats with malignant tumors were treated with a chemotherapy drug called paclitaxel, given through an IV every three weeks. While some cats experienced side effects like low platelet counts, vomiting, constipation, and allergic reactions, these were managed effectively. About 56% of the cats showed stable disease or partial improvement, with an average time before the tumors progressed being 28 days. Overall, paclitaxel appears to be a safe option for treating certain types of cancer in cats, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for specific tumors.
People also search for: cat cancer treatment options · paclitaxel for cats · cat vomiting after chemotherapy · feline tumor treatment side effects
Abstract
Paclitaxel, an effective chemotherapeutic agent in human oncology, has received little evaluation in feline patients. The diluent used to solubilize paclitaxel, polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor EL), causes anaphylactoid reactions in human and dogs, which limits enthusiasm for use of this agent in veterinary oncology. Nine feline patients with measurable malignant tumors were treated with paclitaxel at a dosage of 80 mg/m(2) intravenously every 21 days for up to two doses. Adverse effects, including evidence of toxicity and anaphylactoid reactions, were assessed. Tumor response, progression and patient time to progression (TTP) were also recorded. Adverse effects included grade III and IV thrombocytopenia, grade III gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and constipation) and hypersensitivity reactions, seen in a total of five patients. Anaphylactoid reactions resolved with appropriate management. Stable disease and partial response were observed in 56% of feline patients. Median TTP was 28 days (range 15-45 days). Intravenous paclitaxel is a safe treatment option for feline malignant tumor patients. Future investigation is warranted to explore the effectiveness and appropriate application of this agent for specific tumor types.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24820996/