Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes in Dogs with Malignant Intranasal Tumors Treated with Radiotherapy: A Retrospective Study of 40 Cases.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Intranasal tumors are common malignancies in dogs, characterized by locally aggressive behavior and clinical signs such as epistaxis, nasal discharge, and facial deformity. Radiotherapy (RT) is considered the treatment of choice due to anatomical limitations to surgical resection. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes, toxicity, and prognostic factors in dogs with primary malignant intranasal tumors treated with cobalt-60-based megavoltage radiotherapy.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 40 dogs with histopathologically confirmed primary malignant intranasal tumors treated between September 2018 and February 2025 at a veterinary radiotherapy clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment protocols, response, toxicity, and survival outcomes. Tumors were staged using modified Adams criteria based on computed tomography. Definitive-intent protocols (n = 32) delivered 48-54 Gy in 10-13 fractions administered three to five times weekly, while palliative protocols consisted of either four fractions of 8 Gy delivered once weekly or five fractions of 4 Gy delivered daily.

RESULTS

Adenocarcinoma was the most common histologic subtype (42.5%), and 82.5% of dogs had stage III-IV disease. The objective response rate was 82.5% (CR: 17.5%; PR: 65.0%), with clinical benefit observed in 92.5% of cases. Acute toxicity was frequent but manageable, primarily affecting skin, oral mucosa, and eyes. Overall median progression-free interval (PFI) and survival time (MST) were 382 days and 430 days, respectively. Stage IV disease was significantly associated with shorter survival when compared to stage I-III (MST 345 vs. 1063 days, respectively; p = 0.016). Treatment response was significantly associated with PFI in univariate analysis (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy provided high response rates and meaningful clinical benefit with acceptable toxicity in dogs with malignant intranasal tumors, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Further prospective studies with standardized protocols are warranted.