Review of local extravascular delivery systems for chemotherapeutic agents in small animals and horses

• Published in: Canadian veterinary journal Vol. 64; no. 10; pp. 957 - 967
• Main Authors: Risselada, Marije, Worth, David B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Canadian Veterinary Medical Association 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; Carboplatin; Horses; Scientific
• ISSN: 0008-5286

Background Tumors of various sizes and locations can create a treatment dilemma in achieving adequate surgical margins when sufficient free tissue is not available for closure. Extravascular local adjunctive chemotherapy has been investigated clinically to aid in achieving local tumor control in animals with naturally occurring neoplastic disease. Local chemotherapy can be an alternative primary or a local adjunctive treatment. Objectives and procedures This is a summary of relevant findings of in vitro and in vivo studies on local chemotherapeutic delivery through carrier media, together with a summary of outcomes of clinical use of local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents in small animals and Equidae. Literature from 1990 to 2022 was evaluated via searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, and CAB Abstracts databases for studies of local extravascular delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and chemotherapeutic-impregnated delivery systems in research and clinical settings in veterinary medicine. Results Chemotherapeutic-impregnated calcium sulfate hemihydrate beads with carboplatin are currently favored for extravascular delivery and are associated with minimal wound complications. The ideal delivery system may vary depending on the chemotherapeutic agent used, commercial availability, targeted tumor type, and location. Conclusion and clinical relevance Future investigations might focus on the required dose, the rate of sustained release, and enhancing nodal uptake.