Use of imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara) in cats with multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ: 12 cases (2002-2005)

Vet Comp Oncol. 2008 Mar;6(1):55-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5829.2007.00144.x.

Abstract

Multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ (MSCCIS) is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma in cats, commonly referred to as Bowen's-like disease. Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara) is a novel immune response modifier (IRM) that has been reported as a successful treatment for Bowen's disease in humans. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical findings, treatment protocols and survival in cats with MSCCIS treated with imiquimod 5% cream and to examine the effects of imiquimod 5% cream in cats with MSCCIS. The expression of papillomavirus group-specific antigen in the study population was also determined. From review of medical records, 12 cats were identified with a histologic diagnosis of MSCCIS and treatment with imiquimod 5% cream. Initial lesions responded to imiquimod 5% cream in all cats. Most cats (75%) developed new lesions. New lesions also responded to imiquimod 5% cream in all cats treated. Five cats (41%) had side effects suspected to be associated with the use of imiquimod 5% cream, including local erythema (25%), increased liver enzymes and neutropenia (8%), and partial anorexia and vomiting (8%). Kaplan-Meier median treatment duration and median survival time probabilities for cats in this study were 1189 days, respectively. A time to failure model was generated as many cats were censored from analysis well before the aforementioned projected median. This model resulted in a shorter median survival time of 243 days. No patient-related, tumour-related or treatment-related prognostic variables were identified. No expression for papilloma group-specific antigen was found. Imiquimod 5% cream appears to be well tolerated in the majority of cats, and further studies are warranted to further examine its usefulness in cats with this disease.

MeSH terms

  • Aminoquinolines / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bowen's Disease / drug therapy
  • Bowen's Disease / mortality
  • Bowen's Disease / veterinary
  • Carcinoma in Situ / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma in Situ / mortality
  • Carcinoma in Situ / veterinary*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / veterinary*
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cat Diseases / mortality
  • Cats
  • Female
  • Imiquimod
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / veterinary
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / mortality
  • Skin Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Aminoquinolines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Imiquimod