Chemotherapy is primarily indicated for animals with systemic (e.g., lymphoma, leukemias) or metastatic neoplasms, although it can also be used for the management of nonresectable, chemoresponsive neoplasms that have historically proved refractory to radiotherapy or hyperthermia (primary chemotherapy).
It can also be used as an adjuvant treatment after partial surgical debulking of a neoplasm (e.g., [...]
Continue reading about Indications and contraindications of chemotherapy in dogs and cats
The effects of anticancer drugs on a neoplastic cell population follow first-order kinetic principles (i.e., the number of cells killed by a drug or drug combination is directly proportional to one variable-the dose used). These drugs kill a constant proportion of cells, rather than a constant number of cells.
Therefore the efficacy of a drug or [...]
Continue reading about Mechanism of action of anticancer drugs
It is important to remember that the best treatment for a particular tumor does not necessarily constitute the best treatment for a particular patient or the best treatment from the owner’s perspective. The most important patient-related factor to be considered is the animal’s general health and activity or performance status.
For example, a cat or dog [...]