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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Sci / Reducing Recurrence in Equine Corneolimbal SCC: Outcomes of ...
Veterinary sciences2026; 13(1); 76; doi: 10.3390/vetsci13010076

Reducing Recurrence in Equine Corneolimbal SCC: Outcomes of Adjunctive Cisplatin Biodegradable Bead Therapy.

Abstract: (1) Context: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most prevalent ocular neoplasm in horses, with a reported 45% recurrence rate when managed by surgery alone. (2) Objective: To evaluate the effect of adjunctive cisplatin biodegradable beads (CBBs) on recurrence rates of equine corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to document associated adverse effects. (3) Methods: Seventeen cases of histopathologically confirmed corneolimbal SCC in horses were retrospectively identified. Masses were surgically excised by keratectomy and/or conjunctivectomy under general anesthesia, followed by implantation of CBBs beneath conjunctival flaps at approximately 1 cm intervals around the excised area. Horses were monitored through owner follow-ups for up to five years postoperatively. (4) Results: Three horses (17.64%) experienced local mass recurrence within one year of treatment, and one horse (8.33%) relapsed approximately two years post-treatment. Minor local adverse effects-including chemosis (36%), hyperemia (64%), localized yellow discoloration (55%), and granular tissue formation (36%)-resolved within one to two months after surgery. Two horses developed bead-associated uveitis requiring closer ophthalmic monitoring. Vision was preserved in all but one relapsing case. (5) Conclusions: These findings suggest that adjunctive use of cisplatin biodegradable beads during surgical excision of equine corneolimbal SCC may significantly reduce recurrence rates and is generally well tolerated.
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Publication Date: 2026-01-12 PubMed ID: 41600732PubMed Central: PMC12846682DOI: 10.3390/vetsci13010076Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study investigates the effectiveness of using cisplatin biodegradable beads (CBBs) alongside surgery to reduce the recurrence of corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in horses.
  • The research demonstrates that adding CBBs post-surgery significantly lowers recurrence rates compared to surgery alone, with manageable side effects.

Background and Context

  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common eye tumor in horses, frequently affecting the corneoscleral limbus area.
  • Surgical removal (keratectomy and/or conjunctivectomy) is a standard treatment but has a high recurrence rate of about 45% when used alone.
  • There is a need for adjunct treatments to improve long-term outcomes by reducing the chance of tumors coming back.

Objective of the Study

  • The main goal was to assess whether implanting cisplatin biodegradable beads (CBBs) after surgical tumor removal reduces the likelihood of SCC recurrence in horses.
  • Additionally, the study aimed to document any adverse side effects resulting from the bead therapy.

Methods

  • Seventeen horses with histologically confirmed corneolimbal SCC were retrospectively reviewed.
  • Each case underwent surgical excision of the tumor mass by keratectomy and/or conjunctivectomy under general anesthesia.
  • Following surgery, CBBs were implanted underneath conjunctival flaps at roughly 1-centimeter intervals surrounding the excision site. These beads release cisplatin locally over time.
  • Post-treatment monitoring involved owner follow-ups for up to five years to check for tumor recurrence and any side effects.

Results

  • Out of the 17 horses treated, 3 (approximately 17.64%) experienced tumor recurrence within the first year after treatment.
  • One additional horse (8.33%) relapsed around two years post-treatment.
  • This recurrence rate is substantially lower than the historical 45% recurrence rate reported with surgery alone, suggesting improved effectiveness.
  • Minor local side effects were common but temporary, including:
    • Chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva) in 36% of cases
    • Hyperemia (increased blood flow causing redness) in 64%
    • Localized yellow discoloration in 55%
    • Granular tissue formation in 36%
  • These minor effects typically resolved within one to two months post-surgery.
  • Two horses developed more serious bead-associated uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), highlighting the need for careful monitoring.
  • Vision was preserved in all but one horse that had a relapse, indicating that therapy generally maintained ocular function.

Conclusions

  • The adjunctive use of cisplatin biodegradable beads after surgical removal of corneolimbal SCC in horses appears to significantly reduce tumor recurrence compared to surgery alone.
  • While minor side effects were common, they were transient and manageable.
  • Serious complications like uveitis were rare but underscore the importance of postoperative ophthalmic care.
  • Overall, combining surgical excision with CBB implantation is a promising and well-tolerated treatment strategy to improve long-term outcomes in equine ocular SCC.

Cite This Article

APA
Dagenais A, Juette T, Benoit-Biancamano MO, Vanore M. (2026). Reducing Recurrence in Equine Corneolimbal SCC: Outcomes of Adjunctive Cisplatin Biodegradable Bead Therapy. Vet Sci, 13(1), 76. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13010076

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
PII: 76

Researcher Affiliations

Dagenais, Amy
  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte St., St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8H5, Canada.
  • Centre de Diagnostic Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte St., St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8H5, Canada.
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte St., St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8H5, Canada.
Juette, Tristan
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte St., St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8H5, Canada.
Benoit-Biancamano, Marie-Odile
  • Centre de Diagnostic Vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte St., St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8H5, Canada.
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte St., St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8H5, Canada.
Vanore, Maria
  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte St., St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8H5, Canada.
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte St., St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8H5, Canada.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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