Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Survival and outcomes in cats with thymic tumors 1999-2021
By Marks, T A et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2024·Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prognostic factors and outcome in cats with thymic epithelial tumours: 64 cases (1999-2021).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 64 cats diagnosed with thymic epithelial tumors (a type of tumor in the chest) were treated at three veterinary hospitals over 22 years. Most cats underwent surgery to remove the tumors, with a survival rate of 86% one year after surgery. Cats with earlier-stage tumors (stages I and II) lived significantly longer than those with later stages (III and IV). While some cats experienced tumor recurrence, many had a good long-term prognosis after surgery, suggesting that ongoing monitoring is important for managing their health.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes of cats diagnosed with thymic epithelial tumours and to determine prognostic factors for survival and recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of cats diagnosed with a thymic epithelial tumour between 1999 and 2021 at three referral institutions were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty-four cats were included. Paraneoplastic syndromes were present in nine cats and metastatic disease was seen in two cats, one at diagnosis and one at the time of recurrence. Median tumour diameter was 6 cm (range, 2 to 15) and a cystic appearance was described on imaging in 25 cats. Surgical excision was attempted in 54 cats with a perioperative mortality rate of 11%. Median survival time for cats surviving to hospital discharge was 897 days (range, 21 to 3322). The 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates for surgically treated thymic epithelial tumour were 86%, 70% and 66%, respectively. Survival was longer for cats with Masaoka-Koga stage I and II tumours compared to stages III and IV (1366 days versus 454 days; P=0.002). Masaoka-Koga stage was the only significant prognostic factor detected on multi-variable analysis, with stage III and IV tumours associated with increased risk of death (hazard ratio: 5.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.29 to 24.91, P=.021). Tumour recurrence occurred in 11 cats at a median of 564 days (range, 93 to 1095); no significant prognostic factors for recurrence were identified. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cats with thymic epithelial tumours had a good long-term prognosis following surgery. Tumour recurrence can occur late in the disease course and ongoing monitoring should therefore be considered. Masaoka-Koga stage may influence survival time and could be used to predict outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37800196/