A Combination Chemotherapy Protocol with Dose Intensification and Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant (VELCAP‐HDC) for Canine Lymphoma

Abstract

Twenty‐eight dogs with lymphoma were treated with a 12‐week, 5‐drug chemotherapy protocol concluding with high‐dose cyclophosphamide supported by autologous bone marrow transplants. A dose escalation design was used to determine the maximum tolerated cyclophosphamide dose (MTD) in this setting. Three cyclophosphamide dose levels were given: 300 mg/ m 2 IV (group1, 3 dogs), 400 mg/m 2 IV (group 2, 12 dogs), and 500 mg/m 2 IV (group 3, 13 dogs); and the MTD was 500 mg/m 2 IV. Toxicity was common but mild, and the dose‐limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, specifically neutropenia. No dog died as a result of treatment‐related toxicity. One dog in group 3 developed fever, neutropenia, and presumed sepsis and responded promptly to routine management. No other dog required hospitalization. Lower stage and higher cyclophosphamide dose (both increasing dose [study groups 1–3], and the highest dose [group 3]) compared with the lower doses combined (groups 1 and 2) were significantly associated with longer remission duration (all P