Assessment of predictive molecular variables in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with stereotactic radiation therapy

Abstract

This study evaluated molecular characteristics that are potentially prognostic in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that underwent stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT). Survival time (ST) and progression-free interval (PFI) were correlated with mitotic index, histopathological grades, Ki67 and epidermal growth factor receptor expressions, tumour microvascular density (MVD), and tumour oxygen tension (pO2). Median ST and PFI were 106 and 87 days, respectively (n=20). Overall response rate was 38.5% with rapid improvement of clinical symptoms in many cases. Patients with higher MVD or more keratinized SCC had significantly shorter ST or PFI than patients with lower MVD or less keratinized SCC (P=0.041 and 0.049, respectively). Females had significantly longer PFI and ST than males (P≤0.016). Acute toxicities were minimal. However, treatment-related complications such as fractured mandible impacted quality of life. In conclusion, SRT alone should be considered as a palliative treatment. MVD and degree of keratinization may be useful prognostic markers.

Predicting clinical outcome in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma: tumour initiating cells, telomeres and telomerase

“…Twenty cats with histopathologically confirmed oral SCC enrolled in a prospective clinical trial with SRT at the Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University between January 2010 and July 2011 were included in the current study. All patients were clinically staged, and included 15 domestic short hair, four domestic long hair and one Siamese.…”

“…All patients underwent either computed tomography (CT) or 2‐[ 18 F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (PET)/CT examination for tumour extent evaluation and SRT planning. Detailed protocols are described in previous reports …”

A Survey of Veterinary Radiation Facilities in 2010

“…Since 2001, there have been a number of clinical studies published describing the use of novel technologies for treating animals with radiation, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), 3,4 tomotherapy, 5 and stereotactic radiosurgery. [6][7][8] The publication of these studies suggests that newer radiation technologies are becoming more readily available for the treatment of animals. However, there has been no study in recent years to investigate to what extent changes in technology are occurring in veterinary radiation oncology.…”

“…The authors are not aware of any such comparable publication describing human radiation therapy facilities. Since 2001, there have been a number of clinical studies published describing the use of novel technologies for treating animals with radiation, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), tomotherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery . The publication of these studies suggests that newer radiation technologies are becoming more readily available for the treatment of animals.…”

Intratumoral injection of radioactive holmium (166Ho) microspheres for treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats

“…Apart from the resemblance of risk factors, human and feline OSCC also share comparable molecular parameters (eg, overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and p53 mutation). Furthermore, OSCC has comparable biological and histological characteristics (eg, tumour growth and metastasis), as well as their response to therapy . OSCC, is commonly located in the gingiva with invasion of underlying bone.…”