CCNU (lomustine) toxicity in dogs: a retrospective study (2002-07)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Oncology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is a chemotherapy agent used in veterinary medicine.
• Understanding its toxicity profile is crucial for safe and effective treatment of canine cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of haematological, renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal toxicities in dogs treated with CCNU.
• To assess the overall safety and common adverse events associated with CCNU therapy in a canine population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of medical records from 206 tumor-bearing dogs treated with CCNU.
• Data collected from February 2002 to December 2007 at a veterinary specialist centre.
• Inclusion criteria focused on dogs experiencing at least one class of toxicity.

Main Results:

• Neutropenia (56.9%), anemia (34.2%), and thrombocytopenia (14.2%) were the most common haematological toxicities.
• Gastrointestinal toxicosis, primarily vomiting (24.3%), affected 37.8% of dogs.
• Elevated ALT (48.8%) and renal toxicity (12.2%) were observed, with a 1.2% incidence of hepatic failure.

Conclusions:

• CCNU administration in dogs frequently leads to adverse effects.
• While common, CCNU-associated toxicities are generally manageable and not life-threatening.