Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Photodynamic therapy for nasal skin cancer in 55 cats
By Bexfield, N H et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2008·Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Photodynamic therapy of superficial nasal planum squamous cell carcinomas in cats: 55 cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 55 cats with skin tumors called squamous cell carcinomas on their noses were treated with a special light therapy using a topical medication. Most of the cats, 53 out of 55, showed improvement, and 47 had complete tumor removal after just one treatment. However, about half of those who responded completely had their tumors come back within a few months. After further treatments, nearly half of the cats remained healthy and free of disease for a long time, while some had to be euthanized due to tumor recurrence. The therapy was generally safe with only mild side effects.
People also search for: cat nose tumor treatment · squamous cell carcinoma in cats · photodynamic therapy for cats · cat skin cancer survival rate
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common skin tumors in cats. We investigated photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the photosensitizing agent 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) topically and a high-intensity red light source. HYPOTHESIS: PDT is a safe and effective treatment for feline SCCs. ANIMALS: Fifty-five client-owned cats with superficial nasal planum SCCs. METHODS: Prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial. PDT was performed using topical 5-ALA and light of peak wavelength 635 nm. Adverse effects, response, and tumor control were evaluated. RESULTS: 53/55 (96%) cats responded to therapy, and there was a complete response in 47/55 (85%). Six cats (11%) had a partial response. Of the 47 cats with complete response to a single treatment, 24 recurred (51%), with a median time to recurrence of 157 days (95% confidence interval, 109-205 days). Repeat PDT was performed in 22 cats, and at a median follow-up of 1,146 days, 23 (45%) cats were alive and disease free, 17 (33%) had to be euthanized due to tumor recurrence, and 11 (22%) were euthanized for other reasons. Only transient mild local adverse effects were observed after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: PDT using 5-ALA and a red light source was safe, well tolerated, and effective in the treatment of superficial nasal planum SCCs of cats and offers an alternative to conventional therapy. Although initial response rates were high, this treatment did not lead to a durable remission or cure in all cases.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18798792/