Feline injection-site sarcoma: past, present and future perspectives

Abstract

Feline injection-site sarcomas (FISS) have been known since the early 1990s. After an initial correlation with rabies and feline leukaemia virus vaccination, subsequent studies have demonstrated that an abnormal reaction of feline tissues to chronic inflammation was mainly responsible for the disease. The low incidence of FISS in the population is explained by its multifactorial aetiology, since individual genetic characteristics are also implicated. FISS is an infiltrative tumour with low metastatic potential but local recurrence is common. Multimodal treatment (extensive surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) is recommended. The use of sophisticated imaging techniques can improve diagnosis and help in surgical planning. After the initial enthusiasm in understanding the disease, only few advances have been made in the last few years. New promising therapies may arise from a better knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of FISS and the successful development of drugs modulating the immune system.