Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Subcutaneous paclitaxel cancer treatment safe in 21 dogs
By Silva, Daniella M et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2015·Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Subcutaneous administration of paclitaxel in dogs with cancer: A preliminary study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 21 dogs with advanced cancer received subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of a chemotherapy drug called paclitaxel to see if it could be given safely without causing severe allergic reactions. The dogs received between 1 to 5 doses every two to three weeks, and thankfully, none showed immediate allergic reactions. However, some dogs developed serious side effects, including severe skin issues at the injection site and low white blood cell counts, which can lead to infections. Unfortunately, two dogs experienced severe diarrhea and passed away. Overall, while the subcutaneous method didn't cause allergic reactions, it still carried risks that owners should discuss with their veterinarian.
People also search for: dog cancer treatment paclitaxel · side effects of chemotherapy in dogs · subcutaneous injection for dog cancer
Abstract
Intravenous paclitaxel has been underused in dogs due to severe and acute hypersensitivity reactions. Subcutaneous (SC) administration of paclitaxel and its safety are unknown. In this preliminary study, SC administration of paclitaxel was evaluated for hypersensitivity reactions and toxicity in 21 dogs with advanced cancer. Dogs received 1 to 5 paclitaxel doses, ranging from 85 to 170 mg/m(2), SC every 14 or 21 days. A total of 40 paclitaxel doses were administered and none of the 21 dogs developed systemic or acute local hypersensitivity reactions. Severe skin lesions at the injection site developed in 2 dogs after the 4th injection at the same location. Grade 4 neutropenia was observed in 50% of the dogs 5 days after the first treatment at 115 mg/m(2) (n = 14). Two animals developed Grade 5 diarrhea and died likely due to hemodynamic failure or sepsis. Paclitaxel can be administered SC in dogs with no hypersensitivity reaction.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26246628/