A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 188 CATS EVALUATED FOR FELINE VACCINE SITE
SARCOMAS FROM 1985 TO 1998 (Preliminary results)

T Kobayashi, M Hauck, G Price, R Page, K Chaffin, L Williams and D Thrall.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine,
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.

We reviewed the medical records of 188 cats with histologically confirmed
vaccine site sarcomas. Treatments were categorized and various patient,
tumor and treatment factors were examined for a relationship to tumor
control. There were 163 cats treated with either multimodality treatment
(Cobalt teletherapy and en-bloc surgery with or without chemotherapy) or
single modality treatment. Variables evaluated included signalment, number
of previous surgeries, number of masses, tumor location, presence of gross
vs. microscopic tumor, radiation field size, radiation therapy set up, type
of post radiation surgery and completeness of excision. Progression free
interval was calculated from the first day of treatment until recurrence or
metastasis, or the date of euthanasia or death.

Overall, the median progression free interval for cats receiving radiation
therapy + surgery ƒA chemotherapy was 1005 days. In preliminary statistical
analysis, tumor location and completeness of excision were related to
progression free interval. Cats with body-wall tumors and cats with
incomplete excision had shorter progression free interval. Cats receiving
radiation therapy + surgery with carboplatin had a longer progression free
interval than cats receiving radiation therapy + surgery alone, although
longer follow-up is required to confirm this finding.

In summary, prognostic factors for cats with vaccine site sarcomas receiving
radiation therapy + surgery ƒA chemotherapy were found. Carboplatin appears
to prolong progression free interval for cats with vaccine site sarcomas
when combined with radiation therapy and surgery. Further statistical
evaluation is pending

Tetsuya Kobayashi DVM
Oncology/ Radiology Resident
College of Veterinary Medicine
North Carolina State University

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