Electrochemotherapy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in cats: a preliminary report

Vet J. 2009 Jan;179(1):117-20. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.08.011. Epub 2007 Sep 29.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the skin are commonly described in cats. Reported treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy. This preliminary study reports on the management of these lesions combining the local administration of bleomycin (plus hyaluronidase for a more uniform distribution) with permeabilizing biphasic electric pulses. Nine cats with SCC graded T(2)-T(4) were treated over a 5 year period, and each cat received two sessions of electrochemotherapy (ECT) 1 week apart. The side effects of this treatment were minimal and limited to mild erythema of the nose. Seven of the cats (77.7%) had a complete response lasting up to 3 years. ECT seems to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of feline sun-induced squamous cell carcinomas and warrants further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / veterinary*
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cat Diseases / pathology
  • Cats
  • Electrochemotherapy / methods
  • Electrochemotherapy / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Safety
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome