Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Toxic side effects of metronomic cyclophosphamide in dogs with cancer
By Harper, A & Blackwood, L·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2017·Institute of Veterinary Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Toxicity of metronomic cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in a UK population of cancer-bearing dogs: a retrospective study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 65 dogs with cancer was treated with a low-dose chemotherapy called metronomic cyclophosphamide. About half of these dogs showed mild side effects, with the most common being sterile hemorrhagic cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and gastrointestinal issues. The bladder problems developed after an average of 110 days of treatment. While metronomic cyclophosphamide is generally safe, regular urine tests are advised to catch any bladder issues early and prevent more serious complications.
People also search for: dog cancer treatment side effects · metronomic chemotherapy for dogs · sterile hemorrhagic cystitis in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of toxicity in a group of cancer-bearing dogs treated with metronomic chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of dogs treated with metronomic doses of cyclophosphamide: between 5 and 15 mg/m/day or every other day for treatment of neoplasia. RESULTS: Of the 65 dogs included, there were signs of, mostly mild, toxicity in 32 (49%). The most common toxicities were sterile haemorrhagic cystitis (n=16) and gastrointestinal disorders (n=12). Median time to development of sterile haemorrhagic cystitis was 110 days (range 7 to 686 days). Four dogs developed suspected bacterial infections during treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Metronomic cyclophosphamide is generally well-tolerated in dogs but the incidence of sterile haemorrhagic cystitis in this study is higher than previously reported. Regular urinalysis is recommended for all dogs receiving cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, as early detection of haemorrhagic cystitis may prevent development of more serious disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28133740/