0–7–21 Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Canine Oral Melanoma |
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| Authors: | Karen E Bateman DVM MSc Pamela A Catton Paul W Pennock Stephen A Kruth |
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| Institution: | Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario;Department of Radiation Oncology at the Ontario Cancer Institute—Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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| Abstract: | Eighteen dogs with malignant melanoma of the oral cavity were treated with high-dose per fraction (0–7–21) radiation therapy. Eight hundred cGy was administered on days 0, 7, and 21 for a total dose of 2,400 cGy in 3 weeks. Of 17 dogs evaluated, 9 (53%) had a complete remission and 5 (30%) achieved a partial remission with an overall response rate of 83%. Local failure occurred in 2 of the 9 dogs where a complete response was initially observed. One dog died of intercurrent disease, and one died of metastatic disease without evidence of local recurrence. Five dogs are alive and free of disease 9 to nineteen months from the initiation of therapy. The 0–7–21 protocol was well-tolerated, and acute radiation reactions were low-grade and limited to the skin. The results of this study demonstrate that oral melanomas in dogs are responsive to radiation. 0–7–21 radiation therapy offers a viable alternative to radical excision, especially when tumor volume or location would require cosmetically or functionally debilitating surgery. |
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