Intensity-modulated radiotherapy and chemotherapy for canine right atrial tumors: A retrospective study of seven dogs

Abstract

Most primary cardiac tumors in dogs are located in the right atrium/atrial appendage, with hemangiosarcoma being the most common. The aims of this retrospective, case series were to describe outcomes for seven dogs with right atrial tumors treated with hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy and concurrent vinblastine and propranolol. One dog had a complete response, four dogs had partial responses and two dogs had stable disease after treatment. Effusions resolved in all dogs. Median progression-free survival was 290 days. Five dogs died from metastatic disease, one dog from unrelated neoplasia, and one dog is alive. Median overall survival was 326 days. Three dogs with confirmed hemangiosarcoma survived 244, 326, and 445 days. Two dogs developed clinically significant, but nonfatal, cardiac arrhythmias. One dog that received three courses of radiation had subclinical myocardial and arterial fibrosis at necropsy. Hypofractionated chemoradiotherapy was well tolerated and may provide clinical benefit in dogs with right atrial tumors.