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→Chemotherapy
===Chemotherapy===
===Chemotherapy===
Combination chemotherapy is the most frequent method of treatment and the most commonly used protocols include:
Combination chemotherapy is the most frequent method of treatment and the most commonly used protocols include:
* COP - Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Prednisolone. Frequently used in cats and can be used for induction therapy (8weeks) as well as a long term maintenance protocol
* COAP - Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Prednisolone, Cytosine arabinoside
* CHOP - Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Prednisolone, Doxorubicin, (potentiated sulphonamides)
Corticosteroids must not be administered prior to initiation of chemotherapy as they can cause resistance to cytotoxics and hence reduce the rate of response and the survival time.
The aim is to induce remission and then continue with a maintenance regime, adjusting the dose as required with rescue therapy should relapse occur.
The aim is to induce remission and then continue with a maintenance regime, adjusting the dose as required with rescue therapy should relapse occur.
Response to treatment can be monitored via reduction in tumour mass and size of lymph nodes. Haematological values should be frequently monitored to assess degree of effects of drugs. In particular animals should be moniores for the presence Azotaemia, neutropenia/sepsis, hypercalcaemia and pyrexia.
Response to treatment can be monitored via reduction in tumour mass and size of lymph nodes. Haematological values should be frequently monitored to assess degree of effects of drugs. In particular animals should be moniores for the presence Azotaemia, neutropenia/sepsis, hypercalcaemia and pyrexia.