Isotretinoin treatment of 12 dogs with epitheliotropic lymphoma

Epitheliotropic lymphoma is an uncommon cutaneous malignancy of T lymphocytes. Limited information is available regarding the treatment and outcome of dogs with this disease.

To evaluate the treatment outcome and toxicity profile of isotretinoin in dogs with epitheliotropic lymphoma.

Twelve dogs with a diagnosis of epitheliotropic lymphoma were included.

A medical database was searched for dogs diagnosed with epitheliotropic lymphoma and treated with isotretinoin between 2010 and 2021. Diagnosis, treatment details and tumour response were recorded for 12 dogs.

All lesions resolved in four of 12 (33%) treated dogs. Lesions visibly improved in a further three dogs, giving a response rate of 58%. Two dogs' lesions remained unchanged and three progressed despite therapy. Adverse effects occurred in three dogs (25%), all of which were rapidly resolving or not affecting quality of life.

Isotretinoin treatment was a well-tolerated and effective treatment for canine epitheliotropic lymphoma.