Palliative radiotherapy as treatment for non-resectable soft tissue sarcomas in the dog - a report of 15 cases

Fifteen dogs with various non-resectable soft tissue sarcomas were treated with a palliative protocol of Cobalt(60) radiation. Twelve (80%) of the 15 tumours were fibrosarcomas and haemangiopericytomas. Total tumour radiation dose was 24 Gy, given in three 8 Gy fractions, on days 0, 7, 21 or weekly. Thirteen tumours (87%) responded with stable disease; median time to progression and median survival time were 263 and 332 days, respectively. Radiation toxicity was negligible. The survival and local control with this palliative protocol are almost comparable with curative intent primary radiotherapy.