Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Photodynamic therapy for tumors in cats, dogs, and snakes
By Roberts, W G et al.·Published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute·1991·Department of Cell Biology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Photodynamic therapy of spontaneous cancers in felines, canines, and snakes with chloro-aluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine.
- Species:
- reptile
Plain-English summary
Ten cats and two dogs with various types of tumors, including squamous cell carcinoma and mast cell tumors, were treated with a new light therapy called photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a special drug. They received an injection of chloro-aluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine (CASPc) before being exposed to light, which helped shrink their tumors. The results showed that 67% of the animals had complete tumor responses, while 22% had partial responses. Importantly, there were no significant side effects from the treatment. This promising therapy could be a good option for pets with tumors in the future.
People also search for: cat tumor treatment · dog cancer therapy · photodynamic therapy for pets · squamous cell carcinoma in cats · mast cell tumor treatment in dogs
Abstract
This is the first report on the photodynamic treatment with a second-generation sensitizer, chloro-aluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine (CASPc) of spontaneously arising tumors and on the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of snake neoplasms. Each of 10 cats, 2 dogs, and 3 snakes presenting with a variety of tumor types (squamous cell carcinoma, mast cell malignant tumor, and mixed carcinoma/sarcoma) was given an intravenous injection of 1 mg of CASPc per kilogram body weight 48 hours prior to irradiation with 675-nm light. Some larger tumors (greater than 1.5 cm deep) were surgically debulked prior to PDT. No significant systemic toxicity or skin photosensitization was observed in any animal. The tumor responses were comparable to those seen with conventional cryotherapy, hyperthermia, or surgery. PDT with CASPc of these cases led to 67% (12 of 18) complete response, 22% (4 of 18) partial response, and 11% (2 of 18) no response (less than 50% reduction in tumor size). Four cases could not be evaluated. Since the overall tumor response to CASPc is very good, and the problem of skin photosensitivity is nonexistent, it is expected that using CASPc-PDT to eradicate human tumors would also yield comparable results. Further studies with long-term follow-up are necessary to optimize the use of CASPc-PDT in veterinary and human medicine.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1824598/