Intravenous administration of docetaxel to cats with cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The safety of i.v. administration of docetaxel to cats with cancer has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: Document adverse effects of i.v. administration of docetaxel to cats. ANIMALS: Twenty-one client-owned cats with any confirmed malignancy. METHODS: Cats received up to 5 docetaxel treatments, administered i.v. every 3 weeks. The initial dosage was 1.0 mg/kg, and dosages were increased by increments of 0.25 mg/kg in cohorts of 3 cats. Adverse events were determined by a CBC at days 7 and 21, serum chemistry and urine specific gravity at day 21, and medical histories provided by the owners. RESULTS: Cats received docetaxel dosages ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 mg/kg, for a median of 2 treatments. Dose-limiting toxicoses included fever, neutropenia, and vomiting, seen in 2 of the 4 cats treated at 2.5 mg/kg. Hypersensitivity reactions were infrequent (4 of the 21 cats) and mild. The maximum tolerated dosage was 2.25 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Docetaxel can be administered i.v. to cats with a low incidence of adverse effects.