Cats are not small dogs - an update on feline lymphoma
Feline lymphoma remains one of the most prevalent and clinically significant neoplasms in cats and is characterised by its intrinsic heterogeneity, reflected in its diverse anatomic presentations, histologic grades, and immunophenotypes. Advances in imaging and biopsy techniques, together with molecular testing have improved our ability to diagnose this cancer in cats. While immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry allow accurate differentiation between B- and T-cell lineages, polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) enables confirmation of clonality in ambiguous cases.
Despite these developments, several challenges persist. Differentiating small-cell lymphoma from inflammatory bowel disease remains problematic, and standardized diagnostic criteria are lacking. Therapeutically, multi-agent chemotherapy protocols such as CHOP or COP remain the mainstay of treatment, particularly for high-grade lymphoma, while low-grade forms often responds favourably to chlorambucil-based protocols. But in the relapse setting, rescue protocols remain limited and generally associated with short remission times.
Individualised treatment approaches will be essential for enhancing treatment outcomes and quality of life in cats with this complex, biologically diverse neoplasm. Emerging research into molecular drivers, immune microenvironment modulation, targeted therapies, and immunomodulatory drugs may offer new treatment opportunities in the near future.
- Differentiate the key clinical, biological and diagnostic differences between canine and feline lymphoma.
- Recognise the major feline lymphoma subtypes and understand how anatomical form and grade influence behaviour and prognosis.
- Interpret histopathology, cytology and molecular diagnostic tests (IHC, PARR, flow cytometry) within the context of clinical and imaging findings.
- Select appropriate treatments for high- and low-grade lymphoma, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
- Understand the current limitations and future directions in feline lymphoma research, including novel treatments and biomarker development
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