Results of chemotherapy for cats with alimentary malignant lymphoma: 21 cases (1993-1997)

Abstract

Objective: To determine clinical and pathologic findings in cats with alimentary malignant lymphoma and results of treatment with a combination of prednisone, L-asparaginase, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and methotrexate.

Design: Retrospective study.

Animals: 21 cats with alimentary malignant lymphoma.

Procedure: Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, clinical history and signs, previous treatments, and results of laboratory tests, thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasonography were obtained.

Results: Test results in all cats were negative for FeLV; 3 of 19 were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus. Thirteen tumors were stage III, 7 were stage IV, and 1 was stage V. Diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of microscopic examination of histologic (n = 13) or cytologic (8) specimens. Immunophenotyping was performed on 13 tumors; 10 were T-cell and 3 were B-cell lymphomas. Overall median duration of first remission was 20 weeks. Overall median survival time was 40 weeks. The only factor significantly associated with duration of first remission was whether cats had a complete response following induction chemotherapy; duration of first remission was significantly associated with survival time. Cats tolerated treatment well; only 1 cat had a delay in the treatment schedule because of neutropenia.

Clinical implications: Use of a multidrug chemotherapeutic protocol that includes L-asparaginase and doxorubicin results in minimal adverse effects and prolonged survival times in cats with alimentary malignant lymphoma.