Cisplatin for treatment of transitional cell and squamous cell carcinomas in dogs

Thirteen dogs with tumors were treated with monthly infusions of cisplatin. Complete responses were not observed. Of 8 dogs with urinary tract transitional cell carcinomas, 1 (12.5%) had a partial response of 31 weeks' duration, and 4 (50%) had stable disease for 12, 30, 32, and 34 weeks. Three (60%) of 5 dogs with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas had partial responses for 2, 10, and 15 weeks. All 13 dogs were evaluated for signs of toxicosis. Transient episodes of vomiting were recorded for 7 dogs (54%), and 2 dogs (15%) had mild thrombocytopenia. Although renal function gradually decreased in 2 dogs (15%), none of the dogs had an episode of acute renal failure attributable to cisplatin. These findings suggest that cisplatin may be a safe and potentially effective agent for treatment of transitional cell and squamous cell carcinomas in dogs.