Intralesional cisplatin to successfully treat distal limb haemangiosarcoma

Use of intralesional cisplatin to successfully treat distal limb haemangiosarcoma in a foal
Aust Vet J. 2023 Jun 8. doi: 10.1111/avj.13251. Online ahead of print.
Authors
A M Norton 1 , D McGilp 2 , J R Vasey 1
Affiliations

1 Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia.
2 School of Veterinary Science, Building 8114, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.

PMID: 37291800
DOI: 10.1111/avj.13251

Abstract

A 4-month old, 200 kg, grey warmblood colt presented for a firm, non painful mass on the distal medial aspect of the left third metatarsus. Excisional biopsy revealed a diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma. Equine haemangiosarcoma is uncommon and only limited reports of successful treatment are available. The prognosis for survival is therefore considered to be poor. After two separate incidences of recurrence with incomplete excision of the tumour, intralesional treatment with cisplatin without excision or debulking was performed on three separate occasions. Intralesional cisplatin injection was performed at monthly intervals for three treatments. Four years post treatment with cisplatin, the horse remained in remission. This case report describes the diagnostic and treatment challenges for successful treatment of a primary haemangiosarcoma on the distal limb of a warmblood foal using intralesional cisplatin chemotherapy.

Keywords: chemotherapy; cisplatin; haemangiosarcoma; hemangiosarcoma; horse; tumour.