Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Outcome of external beam radiotherapy for treatment of noncutaneous tumors of the head in horses: 32 cases (1999-2015).
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Gillen, Alex et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how effective external beam radiotherapy is for treating non-skin tumors in the heads of horses, based on records from 32 horses treated between 1999 and 2015. The follow-up period for these horses ranged from 2 to 145 months, with a median of 14 months. Half of the horses were still alive at the time of the report, and about 38% had a complete response to the treatment. However, horses with tumors in the maxilla or nasal cavity had shorter survival times compared to those with tumors in other areas. While many horses experienced side effects from either the tumors or the treatment, these did not seem to significantly affect how long they survived. Overall, the treatment showed some effectiveness, but side effects were common.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The long-term outcomes of external beam radiotherapy for treatment of noncutaneous tumors of the head in horses is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term outcomes for treatment of noncutaneous tumors of the head of horses, and report short and long-term clinical adverse effects. ANIMALS: Thirty-two horses treated in 2 referral hospitals. METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of horses receiving radiation therapy for noncutaneous tumors between 1999 and 2015 were reviewed. Signalment, tumor type, treatment protocol, tumor control duration, and survival were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for overall survival (OS), by tumor type and location, and compared using Log-rank tests, and treatment protocol adherence. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 2 to 145 months (median 14 months). Of 32 horses, 16 (50%) were alive at the time of reporting, with complete tumor response occurring in 12 (38%). Horses with tumors of the maxilla/nasal cavity had significantly shorter median OS compared to horses with tumors in other locations (21 months vs 145 months) (P = .06). Adverse effects resulting from the tumor or the therapy occurred in 20/32 (63%). The occurrence of major adverse effects and delays in treatment protocol were not significantly associated with median survival estimates. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: External beam radiotherapy can be used to treat a variety of noncutaneous tumors of the head of horses. Adverse effects related to radiotherapy or the tumor are common.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33165966/