Employment of electrochemotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in cats

Abstract

Electrochemotherapy is characterized as a protocol which combines the use of antineoplastic agents and localized application of electric pulses (electroporation) to improve the intracellular concentration of these agents, increasing its cytotoxic action. Bleomycin, an antibiotic agent with antineoplastic properties, is a hydrophilic molecule, having a restricted transport through the cellular membrane. However, when it is administered intralesionally or intravenously and associated to electroporation, its cytotoxicity is maximized. There were utilized 21 cats affected by cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The electrochemotherapy protocol was standardized using intravenous bleomycin sulfate at a dose of 15U/m² body surface area. Electroporation was performed using an electrode composed of needles and electric pulses with 1000 V voltage, in unipolar square wave and 100 microseconds duration, totalizing eight cycles. There was complete neoplastic remission in 21 cats (100%). There were no complications or side effects associated with the procedure. The protocol studied in this work showed to be feasible, effective and safe for antineoplastic therapy in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Index Terms:
Cat; neoplasia; electroporation; electrochemotherapy