Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of medication to treat cancer. In cats with lymphoma, chemotherapy is the primary treatment because lymphoma is a systemic (whole-body) disease that surgery or radiation alone cannot address. Importantly, cats rarely experience the severe side effects (nausea, malaise) commonly associated with chemotherapy in humans.
Key Facts
- Primary treatment for all forms of feline lymphoma
- Cats tolerate chemotherapy much better than humans typically do
- Low-grade intestinal lymphoma: oral medications (prednisolone + chlorambucil), ~70% remission rate
- High-grade lymphoma: only 25-50% remission, lasting 2-9 months
- Renal lymphoma: median survival 3-6 months with treatment
- Nasal lymphoma: median survival >500 days with treatment
- Mediastinal lymphoma: remission readily achieved regardless of FeLV status
- Species: cats primarily discussed (dogs also receive chemotherapy for lymphoma)
ความเชื่อมโยง (23)
โรคที่เกี่ยวข้อง
Lomustine and other agents used
FeLV-positive cats still achieve remission but may have shorter survival.
Doxorubicin-based protocols extend survival
Treatment for severe IBD overlaps with lymphoma chemotherapy protocols.
May be used adjunctively
— treatment for some tumor types
Role is limited for primary lung tumors
Chemotherapy is the standard treatment for all forms.
Used for malignant mammary tumors
Used for high-grade or metastatic mast cell tumors
Used for advanced or metastatic disease
Melphalan-based protocols are standard
Used for malignant oral tumors
Treatment can improve kidney function during remission.
Limited effectiveness for oral SCC
Under investigation; toceranib shows promise for dogs
Mitoxantrone and NSAIDs used in treatment