Evaluation of the Tolerability of Combination Chemotherapy with Mitoxantrone and Dacarbazine in Dogs with Lymphoma

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2019 Mar/Apr;55(2):101-109. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6878. Epub 2019 Jan 17.

Abstract

Combination chemotherapy can be an effective option for treating resistant lymphoma in dogs. This retrospective study examined the tolerability and efficacy of the combination of 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)-imidazole-4-carboxamide (dacarbazine) (DTIC) in a population of dogs with lymphoma resistant to a doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy protocol. Mitoxantrone was administered at 5 mg/m2 IV over 10 min followed by DTIC at 600 mg/m2 IV over 5 hr, every 3 wk. All dogs were treated with prophylactic trimethoprim-sulfadiazine and metoclopramide. The frequency of grade 4 neutropenia was 18%, and 5% of dogs were hospitalized from sepsis. Gastrointestinal toxicity was uncommon. The overall response rate was 34% (15 of 44; 95% confidence interval 20-48%) for a median duration of 97 days (range 24-636 days, 95% confidence interval 44-150 days). Fourteen of 15 dogs who received mitoxantrone and DTIC as first rescue responded to treatment. Dogs who achieved complete remission to their initial L-asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy protocol were more likely to respond to mitoxantrone and DTIC (23 versus 11%, P = .035). The combination of mitoxantrone and DTIC is a safe treatment option for resistant lymphoma in dogs.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Dacarbazine / administration & dosage
  • Dacarbazine / adverse effects
  • Dacarbazine / therapeutic use*
  • Dog Diseases / drug therapy
  • Dogs
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Mitoxantrone / administration & dosage
  • Mitoxantrone / adverse effects
  • Mitoxantrone / therapeutic use*
  • Neutropenia / chemically induced
  • Neutropenia / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Dacarbazine
  • Mitoxantrone