Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Gemcitabine chemo for dogs with liver cancer shows long survival
By Elpiner, A K et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative oncology·2011·Veterinary Oncology and Hematology Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Single-agent gemcitabine chemotherapy in dogs with hepatocellular carcinomas.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Eighteen dogs with liver tumors called hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) were treated with a chemotherapy drug called gemcitabine to see if it could help. Most dogs experienced only mild side effects like vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, and they were monitored with ultrasounds. While the median survival time for these dogs was about 983 days, the study found that surgery is still the best option for treating HCC, as gemcitabine did not improve survival for dogs with tumors that couldn't be surgically removed.
People also search for: dog liver cancer treatment · gemcitabine for dogs · hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs · dog chemotherapy side effects
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of gemcitabine in dogs diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Eighteen dogs were examined retrospectively (4 massive HCC, 10 nodular HCC and 4 diffuse HCC). All dogs received gemcitabine at 350-400 mg m(-2) weekly for 5 weeks. Toxicity was graded using VCOG-CTCAE guidelines and response was monitored with serial abdominal ultrasounds. Fifteen dogs completed all five cycles. Toxicity was minimal and consisted of grade I/II vomiting, anorexia and diarrhoea and two episodes of grade III neutropenia. Median survival time for all dogs was 983 days. Median progression free interval was 971 days. Based on the results of this study, surgery remains the best treatment for HCC, despite incomplete resection. There was no improvement in the survival of those diagnosed with nonresectable HCC treated with gemcitabine chemotherapy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22077406/