Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a carboplatin chemotherapy-associated drug in female dogs with mammary carcinoma in benign mixed tumors (MC-BMT) after mastectomy and to assess its association with quality of life and survival rates. Sixty female dogs were included in this study, all of which had histopathological diagnosis of MC-BMT and were divided into three groups: G1 (control), consisting of animals submitted only to mastectomy with or without regional metastasis; G2, composed of treated animals that did not present with metastasis; and G3, treated dogs that presented with metastasis. G2 and G3 were also subdivided according to the treatment administered: chemotherapy alone (MC-BMT(-) C/MC-BMT(+) C) or LDN and chemotherapy (MC-BMT(-) C+LDN/MC-BMT(+) C+LDN). All animals were subjected to clinical evaluation, mastectomy, peripheral blood lymphocyte immunophenotyping, beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin quantification, and evaluation of survival rates and quality of life scores. The results showed higher serum concentrations of beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin, fewer chemotherapy-related side effects, and better quality of life and survival rates in the LDN-treated groups than in LDN-untreated groups (P < 0.05). Evaluation of clinical and pathological parameters indicated a significant association between the use of LDN and both prolonged survival and enhanced quality of life. These results indicate that LDN is a viable chemotherapy-associated treatment in female dogs with MC-BMT, maintaining their quality of life and prolonging survival rates.
Highlights
Canine mammary tumors are very common in small animal clinics, but the exact incidence of malignant neoplasias is difficult to determine since many cases are not brought for veterinary evaluation [1]
Among malignant mammary tumors in female dogs, mammary carcinoma in benign mixed tumor (MC-BMT) is the most common [3], as seen by a study [4] that found 60% MC-BMT among 51 mammary carcinomas diagnosed in this species
Female dogs with MC-BMT were evaluated in a prospective manner and were randomly divided into three groups: G1: composed of animals submitted only to mastectomy, prospectively stratified based on the absence of metastasis (MC-BMT(-)) and with regional metastasis (MC-BMT(+)); G2: treated animals without metastasis; and G3: Naltrexone in the treatment of canine mammary tumour treated animals with regional metastasis
Summary
Canine mammary tumors are very common in small animal clinics, but the exact incidence of malignant neoplasias is difficult to determine since many cases are not brought for veterinary evaluation [1]. In a study in Mexico with 1,917 mammary biopsies, 47.5% of cases were confirmed as malignant tumors [2] Because of this high frequency and the similarity of clinical features between women and female dogs, there is great interest in a comparative study between the two species. Among malignant mammary tumors in female dogs, mammary carcinoma in benign mixed tumor (MC-BMT) is the most common [3], as seen by a study [4] that found 60% MC-BMT among 51 mammary carcinomas diagnosed in this species. Veterinary clinicians are seeking new treatment protocols that can provide higher cure rates, longevity and better quality of life for their patients
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