Perioperative intratumoral administration of cisplatin for treatment of cutaneous tumors in equidae.

The research investigates the effectiveness of injecting cisplatin, a chemotherapy medication, directly into tumors in horses during surgery. The study finds this approach to be safe and efficient, with minimal toxic effects and no compromise on wound healing.

Study Details

• The study was conducted on 27 horses and one mule. All the equines had been diagnosed with cutaneous tumors, confirmed through histology.
• The researchers chose to directly inject cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, into the tumors during surgical procedures. The purpose of injecting cisplatin at the site was to treat the cancerous tumors directly at their location and limit the drug’s egress from the area.
• The chemotherapy treatment consisted of four sessions, all administered in two-week intervals. The first of these treatments was given during surgery.
• The cisplatin was delivered in purified sesame oil, an approach intended to create a controlled-release delivery system. This technique was utilized to keep the drug active at the targeted site for a longer period.

Results of the Study

• According to the study, following surgery, nine of the cases had their wounds primarily closed including five sarcoids and four carcinomas, whereas 23 were left to granulate, which includes 16 sarcoids, six carcinomas, and one hamartoma.
• The research found the average relapse-free interval to be about 41 +/- 3.7 months. In addition, the one-year overall relapse-free survival rate was 92 +/- 5%, while the rate for four years was 77 +/- 11%.
• Importantly, the study confirmed that local toxic effects related to cisplatin were minimal, suggesting that this treatment approach is safe. Similarly, the wound healing process was not impacted negatively, further indicating the treatment’s safety.

Conclusion

• Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that intratumoral injection of cisplatin, when given during the perioperative period, appears to be safe and effective for treating selected tumors in horses.
• This research gives new insights into how chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin can be effectively used during surgeries to increase the chances of a successful treatment and reduce the chances of relapse.