Radiotherapy of oral malignant melanomas in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate response to radiotherapy in dogs with oral malignant melanomas.

DESIGN

Clinical trial.

ANIMALS

36 dogs with histologically confirmed oral malignant melanomas.

PROCEDURE

The prescribed radiation dose was 36 Gy given in 4 fractions of 9 Gy at 7-day intervals. The primary radiation source was a linear accelerator.

RESULTS

In 25 of 36 dogs, complete remission was achieved, and in 9 dogs, partial remission was achieved. Recurrence of the primary tumor was the cause of euthanasia of 4 dogs. Twenty-one dogs were euthanatized because of metastasis.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Radiotherapy was an effective palliative treatment for the primary tumor in dogs with oral malignant melanomas. However, rapid development of metastatic disease remained a major challenge.