Radiation therapy for non-resectable neuroendocrine tumour in two dogs

摘要

Case records of two dogs diagnosed with carotid body tumour (CBT) treated with radiotherapy were reviewed. Clinical signs of a unilateral space-occupying lesion were identified. Cytology or histopathology and CT imaging confirmed CBT. Metastatic lymphadenopathy was identified in one dog. The tumour was surgically unresectable in one dog. Radiotherapy was administered with 38Gy in 10 and 48Gy in 12 fractions, respectively. VRTOG grade I cutaneous radiotoxicity was recognised in both dogs upon completing the treatment protocol. One dog was diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism 16 months later. One dog has ongoing partial response at 13 months post-radiotherapy, the other dog had complete response with no recurrence at 40 months post-radiotherapy. The results of this study suggest that for non-resectable carotid body paraganglioma radiation therapy provided excellent disease control with mild permanent side effects not affecting the dog's quality of life. Careful monitoring of the thyroid function is recommended post-treatment.