Liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin (Doxil) and doxorubicin in the treatment of vaccine-associated sarcoma in cats

J Vet Intern Med. 2002 Nov-Dec;16(6):726-31.

Abstract

The purpose of this randomized, multicenter study was to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin (LED) and doxorubicin (DOX) in the treatment of feline vaccine-associated sarcoma (VAS). Cats were divided according to their disease status into a microscopic arm (no evidence of gross disease) and a macroscopic arm (evidence of gross disease). Each arm was randomized to receive either LED (1-1.5 mg/kg i.v. q3 weeks) or DOX (1 mg/kg i.v. q3 weeks). Thirty-three cats were entered in the macroscopic arm of the study with an overall response rate of 39% (5 complete response and 8 partial response) and a median time to progression of 84 days. Response rates were not different between LED and DOX. Seventy-five cats were entered into the microscopic arm. When compared to a similar historical control population treated with surgery alone, the cats receiving chemotherapy had a prolonged median disease-free interval (388 days versus 93 days). No difference in efficacy was detected between LED and DOX. LED at 1.5 mg/kg induced delayed nephrotoxicosis in 23%, necessitating a decrease in the recommended dosage to 1 mg/kg, and cutaneous toxicosis in 21.7% of treated cats. This study showed that both DOX and LED are efficacious in the treatment of VAS and should be considered in the treatment of this tumor.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cat Diseases / etiology
  • Cats
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Liposomes
  • Male
  • Sarcoma / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoma / etiology
  • Sarcoma / veterinary*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / etiology
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vaccination / adverse effects*
  • Vaccination / veterinary*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Liposomes
  • Doxorubicin