| Overview of Treatments |
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Depending upon the grade, stage and type of cancer, your team will recommend one or a
combination of treatment options. Multiple treatment options that combine surgery,
radiation and chemotherapy are the rule rather than the exception. This is because the
treatment of cancer in animals has become as sophisticated and successful as the treatment of cancer in humans.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is the use of the body’s immune system to treat a disease. We use
immunotherapy to treat certain cancers, such as: melanoma, hemangiosarcoma, renal cell carcinoma,
multiple myeloma, and lymphoma among others.
There are various types of immunotherapy ranging from cancer vaccines to injecting cytokines
(chemicals that stimulate the body’s own immune system). One of the advantages of immunotherapy is
that it is generally less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
 Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer at the tumor site, as well as the cancer that may
have spread through the body. Most chemotherapeutic drugs act directly on cancer cells,
preventing them from maturing or reproducing. Unlike humans, the side effects of chemotherapy
in pets are relatively mild. Doses of drugs and treatment schedules are calculated to minimize
discomfort to the pet, while providing the most effective defense against the cancer. As a result,
most people are surprised at how well their pets feel while undergoing chemotherapy. The goal
is to slow the growth of cancer cells, while producing minimal negative effects on normal cells.
If your pet requires a plan of chemotherapy, your veterinarian will most likely bring in a specialist
(an oncologist) to develop the plan of attack and administer the treatments.
In addition to the latest and best medical treatments, an oncologist will provide the
specialized equipment and supervision that your pet needs.
Surgery
Surgery is the oldest form of cancer therapy and has been responsible for the cure
of more patients than any other treatment. This great success is mainly due to the development
of new surgical techniques combined with chemotherapy and radiation for a total plan of treatment for your pet's cancer.
Radiation Therapy
In veterinary
medicine, radiation therapy was first attempted at the beginning of the
twentieth century. During the last 50 years, large advances have been made. The
use of histopathology, MRI, and CAT scans has resulted in accurate diagnosis of
the type and location of tumors. New technology has increased the effectiveness
and decreased the side effects and risks of radiation therapy.
Under what conditions is radiation therapy used?
Radiation therapy can be used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy to
provide permanent control or death of a tumor. It is used for tumors that have
not spread to other sites in the body and offers a potential cure for some
localized tumors. In other cases, radiation therapy can be used for its
palliative effect (relieving the signs of disease). Even if the tumor can not be
destroyed, at least shrinking the tumor may improve the quality of life of the
animal by reducing pressure, bleeding, or pain.
Which tumors are commonly treated with radiation therapy?
Oral tumors and tumors within the nasal cavity often respond well to radiation
therapy. Brain tumors have been successfully treated, as have small skin tumors,
including some mast cell tumors and squamous cell carcinomas. Lymphoma in both
cats and dogs has responded to radiation therapy, and it is often used in
conjunction with chemotherapy. The management of bone tumors, including
osteosarcoma, has used radiation therapy as part of the regimen.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects depend upon what treatment is being given. The survival time
without therapy is generally short; with therapy, it can be 9-12 months or more.
Therapeutic radiation has been used to help restore the health and well being of
pets with cancer for decades. As with all cancer therapies, quality of life and
freedom from any discomfort is a priority. Like surgery, radiation is a regional
treatment. It is usually given to the tumor site and two or three inches of
'normal' surrounding tissue. In order to minimize the side effects, small
dosages of radiation are administered over several weeks. The radiation
therapist will determine the appropriate dosage and number of treatments to
ensure the best outcome possible. Here too, your veterinarian will most likely
bring in a specialist (an oncologist) to develop the plan of attack and
administer the treatments. |
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