Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Radiosurgery treatment for pituitary tumors in 11 cats
By Sellon, R K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2009·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Linear-accelerator-based modified radiosurgical treatment of pituitary tumors in cats: 11 cases (1997-2008).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat was treated for a pituitary tumor that was causing neurological problems and poorly controlled diabetes. The cat underwent an MRI to plan for a special type of radiation therapy, where a single high dose of radiation was directed at the tumor. After treatment, 7 out of 11 cats showed improvement, with some experiencing better insulin control and others having fewer neurological symptoms. The treatment was found to be safe, with no serious side effects, and the median survival time for the cats was about 25 months, with some still alive after treatment.
People also search for: cat pituitary tumor treatment · cat diabetes management · cat neurological problems radiation therapy
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Determine the efficacy and safety of a linear-accelerator-based single fraction radiosurgical approach to the treatment of pituitary tumors in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Eleven client-owned cats referred for treatment of pituitary tumors causing neurological signs, or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (DM) secondary either to acromegaly or pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocortism. PROCEDURES: Cats underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to manually plan radiation therapy. After MRI, modified radiosurgery was performed by delivering a single large dose (15 or 20 Gy) of radiation while arcing a linear-accelerator-generated radiation beam around the cat's head with the pituitary mass at the center of the beam. Eight cats were treated once, 2 cats were treated twice, and 1 cat received 3 treatments. Treated cats were evaluated for improvement in endocrine function or resolution of neurological disease by review of medical records or contact with referring veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: Improvement in clinical signs occurred in 7/11 (63.6%) of treated cats. Five of 9 cats with poorly regulated DM had improved insulin responses, and 2/2 cats with neurological signs had clinical improvement. There were no confirmed acute or late adverse radiation effects. The overall median survival was 25 months (range, 1-60), and 3 cats were still alive. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Single fraction modified radiosurgery is a safe and effective approach to the treatment of pituitary tumors in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19572910/