Surgical debulking and electrochemotherapy, including a tetrapolar single-needle electrode, are associated with clinical benefit in dogs with intranasal tumors
Marcelo Monte Mór Rangel, DVM, PhD1*; André Gustavo Alves Holanda, DVM, PhD1; Laís Calazans Menescal
Linhares, DVM, PhD2; Daniela Ota Hisayasu Suzuki, PhD3; Guilherme Andraus Bispo, DVM, PhD2; Andrigo Barboza
de Nardi, DVM, PhD2
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary clinical outcomes of surgical debulking combined with electrochemotherapy (ECT) using a multielectrode approach, including a tetrapolar single-needle electrode, in dogs with intranasal tumors.
Methods
This retrospective observational study included client-owned dogs with intranasal tumors treated from 2017 through 2024 at a veterinary oncology referral center. Dogs were included if they underwent at least 1 surgical procedure combined with intraoperative bleomycin-based ECT using a multielectrode approach and had a minimum follow-up period of 2 months.
Results
12 dogs were included, and most had advanced local disease (83% stages T3 to T4). Epithelial tumors predominated (91%), mainly adenocarcinoma (42%). Clinical response was observed in all dogs, including complete clinical response in 75% and partial clinical response in 25%. Local progression was documented by CT in 5 dogs (42%). Repeat procedures were performed in 67% of dogs because of persistent clinical signs or tumor progression. The median progression-free interval was 492 days, and the median survival time was 694 days. Treatment-related adverse events were frequent but predominantly mild to moderate, including partial wound dehiscence (50%), crust formation (42%), infection (25%), and oronasal fistula (25%). No procedure-related deaths occurred.
Conclusions
Surgical debulking combined with ECT using a multielectrode approach, including a tetrapolar single-needle electrode, was feasible and associated with clinical benefit in dogs with intranasal tumors. These findings support further prospective investigation of this approach for intranasal tumors in dogs.
Clinical Relevance
This approach may represent a treatment option for dogs with locally advanced intranasal tumors, particularly when radiotherapy is unavailable.
Fonte: https://avmajournals.avma.org/
