From:
"Roger Vaughn"
Date: 2003-06-23 03:04:20 UTC
Subject: Adult lymphoma
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <4689.192.168.132.34.1056337460.squirrel@mail.seaconinc.com>
We have a little girl who we have just discovered may have lymphoma
(lymphosarcoma), and I have been combing the 'net and the references
for any treatment info I can find. Everything I can put my hands on
(except the FHL) appears to be a bit dated - pre-2000. I've come up
with what I *think* is the current thinking, but I would like to run
it by the vets here - especially Dr. Purcell - for confirmation. Any
help is appreciated.
Guinevere is asymptomatic at this point. One of our vets palpated
irregularities in the caudal surface of her spleen, leading us to
ultrasound and ultimately to this lymphoma diagnosis. The spleen is
showing extramedullary hematopoiesis (for the non-vets: blood cell
production outside of the bone marrow) but is otherwise uninvolved at
this point, as are the other major organs. The only sign we're seeing
is a persistently swollen mesenteric lymph node. LN aspirates were
inconclusive, but later biopsy results came back as lymphosarcoma
(LSA). (Unfortunately I do not have the pathology report in front of
me.)
If I understand correctly, Dr. Purcell would recommend NOT treating
(with chemotherapy, anyway) an asymptomatic ferret. It appears that
this may not be LSA at all, but only a hyperplastic node - which will
likely develop into LSA in the future.
When it comes to chemo, the favored protocol seems to be an initial
dose of L-asparaginase and vincristine, followed by vincristine and
cyclophosphamide in alternating dosage cycles at least two weeks
apart. Concurrent prednisone should be administered in decreasing
daily dosages. Methotrexate should NOT be used, but doxorubicin or
melphalan might be useful as part of the protocol.
Pau d'arco is no longer recommended for supportive therapy due to
toxicity concerns, but vitamin C (in buffered or ester forms) can be
given.
So, have I put it together right? Since Guinevere is asymptomatic, we
will probably not start treatment yet, but will likely have to before
long. Meanwhile we might be able to start her on a vitamin C regimen.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
roger and the wolverine wannabees
missing bear and lancelot