Evaluation of factors influencing survival time in 77 dogs with lymphoma

BACKGROUND: Canine lymphoma is one of the most commonly reported hematopoietic tumors. AIM: A few retrospective studies have involved complex evaluations including diagnostic features and treatment protocols, but these studies infrequently demonstrate variable factors that affect survival time, and comparisons among chemotherapeutic protocols are limited. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors that can be simply detected in dogs with lymphoma, such as abnormalities in physical and hematologic findings, and treatment protocols. METHODS: Clinical records of 77 dogs diagnosed with lymphoma were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The author newly identified leukocyte and platelet abnormalities as negative prognostic factors. Furthermore, this study suggests that decreased gastrointestinal toxicity and improvements of hematologic abnormalities, such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphocytosis or lymphoblasts, in peripheral blood during chemotherapy act as positive prognostic factors. Finally, strict adherence to therapeutic protocol and selecting multiple agents as rescue protocol are important to prolong survival time. CONCLUSION: This study identified indicators to be used as prognostic factors through survival analysis.