Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with lung-digit cancer lived longer after toceranib treatment
By Inês Cabral et al.·Published in Animals·2026·ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Treatment of Feline Lung–Digit Syndrome with Toceranib Phosphate: Prolonged Survival and Novel Metastatic Findings
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with lung cancer and spread to multiple areas, including the toes and lymph nodes, was treated with a medication called toceranib phosphate along with meloxicam for pain relief. This combination helped the cat live longer and maintain a good quality of life without side effects, even when the dose was increased. However, the cancer progressed quickly after stopping the treatment, suggesting that toceranib may help slow down tumor growth. This case highlights the potential of toceranib as a palliative option for cats with advanced lung cancer.
People also search for: cat lung cancer treatment · toceranib phosphate for cats · feline lung-digit syndrome · cat cancer pain management
Abstract
Feline pulmonary carcinomas are rare and often carry a poor prognosis, particularly when associated with feline lung–digit syndrome. We report a cat with primary pulmonary carcinoma and extensive metastases—including digits, pleura, mandible, scapula, spleen, skeletal muscle, and distant lymph nodes—supporting the broader “MODAL syndrome” concept. Palliative therapy with toceranib phosphate and meloxicam achieved prolonged survival and excellent quality of life, with no adverse effects despite dose escalation. Rapid progression after discontinuation suggests a role for toceranib in delaying tumour growth. Immunohistochemistry revealed c-kit expression in one metastatic lesion but not in the primary tumour or most metastases, highlighting intratumoral heterogeneity and the complexity of targeted therapy. The observed benefit likely reflects toceranib’s multi-target activity (VEGFR2, PDGFR), impacting angiogenesis and tumour progression. This case represents the first report of toceranib phosphate use in feline pulmonary carcinoma and underscores its potential as a palliative option.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16050839