Efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy for nasal tumours in 38 dogs (20052008)

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy for canine nasal tumours, including the improvement in clinical signs, rate of complications and assessment of prognostic factors. Methods Medical records of 38 dogs with malignant nasal tumours were reviewed, and those treated with a weekly schedule of hypofractionated radiotherapy were included in the study. Acute and late side effects were defined as complications noted either within 1month or after 6months of irradiation, respectively. Progression-free interval and overall survival were calculated using the KaplanMeier method. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were also performed. Results Clinical signs improved in 30 of 36 dogs. Acute complications were seen in 28 of 36 dogs and were considered manageable. Late complications were observed in 17 of 30 dogs that survived 6months or longer, but severe side effects were not observed. The median progression-free interval and overall survival was 245days (95% CI: 127512days) and 512days (95% CI: 203820days), respectively. Age, breed and presence of dyspnoea were negatively correlated with overall survival. Clinical Significance These results suggest that hypofractionated radiotherapy could be a viable option for the treatment of nasal tumours in dogs that are not candidates for conventional multi-fractionated radiotherapy. Journal of Small Animal Practice (2013) 54, 80-86 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12024