Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Radiation side effects in dogs treated for bone cancer with 10 Gy x 2
By Pagano, Candace et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2016·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: SAFETY AND TOXICITY OF AN ACCELERATED COARSELY FRACTIONATED RADIATION PROTOCOL FOR TREATMENT OF APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA IN 14 DOGS: 10 GY × 2 FRACTIONS.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 14 dogs with bone cancer called appendicular osteosarcoma received a special radiation treatment aimed at controlling their pain. The dogs were given a total of 20 Gy of radiation over two days, along with some additional medications to help manage their condition. Most of the dogs reported feeling less pain within two weeks, and the improvement lasted for an average of about 80 days. While some dogs experienced mild side effects like hair loss, a few developed fractures after treatment. Overall, the radiation was well tolerated and helped improve their quality of life.
People also search for: dog osteosarcoma treatment · radiation therapy for dog cancer · pain relief for dogs with bone cancer
Abstract
Coarsely fractionated radiation is commonly used as a method for pain control in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma, however there is little published information on optimal protocols. The aim of this retrospective, descriptive study was to report safety and toxicity findings in a sample of dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma that had been treated with a radiation scheme of 10 Gy delivered over two consecutive days for a total of 20 Gy. Dogs were included in the study if they had osteosarcoma that was treated with the aforementioned protocol. Dogs were excluded if treated with the same protocol for any other bone tumor besides osteosarcoma or inadequate follow-up. Thirteen of the 14 patients received adjuvant therapy with pamidronate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. Nine dogs received adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin after radiation was complete. Within a median of 14 days, 92.8% of dogs subjectively had improved pain control. Median duration of response (DOR) was 80 days (range 20-365). The majority of patients developed VRTOG grade one toxicity, primarily alopecia. Five dogs (35.7%) developed pathologic fracture postradiation treatment. Timing of fracture was variable ranging from 24 to 250 days. This radiation protocol was well tolerated, with minimal toxicity, subjectively improved survival time, and had the benefit of being completed in two consecutive days.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27374864/