Urothelial carcinoma in cats....

Lower urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in cats: Clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes in 118 cases

Maureen A. Griffin, William T. N. Culp, Michelle A. Giuffrida

Background
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a rare but significant malignancy affecting the lower urinary tract in cats. Unlike in dogs, where TCC is well characterized, limited data exist on its clinical presentation, treatment options, and prognosis in feline patients. This study aimed to describe the clinical features, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors associated with feline TCC.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 118 cats diagnosed with lower urinary tract TCC across 11 veterinary institutions. Clinical data, including patient demographics, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, treatments, and outcomes, were collected and analyzed. Survival analyses were performed to assess the impact of different treatment modalities.

Results
The median age of affected cats was 15 years, with hematuria (62.7%), pollakiuria (50.0%), and stranguria (48.3%) being the most common clinical signs. Tumors were most frequently located in the bladder trigone (27.1%). Treatment was administered to 73/118 cats (61.9%), with options including partial cystectomy, NSAIDs, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Partial cystectomy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.31) and NSAID treatment (HR 0.55) were significantly associated with improved survival. The median overall survival time was 155 days, with longer survival in cats receiving surgical intervention and NSAIDs.

Limitations
This was a retrospective study, with potential for selection bias and incomplete follow-up data. The study population was derived from referral institutions, limiting generalizability to primary care settings. Additionally, the impact of multimodal therapies could not be fully separated.

Conclusions
Partial cystectomy and NSAID administration were associated with improved survival in cats with lower urinary tract TCC. The findings highlight the need for early diagnosis and a multimodal treatment approach. Further prospective studies are required to refine treatment protocols and evaluate long-term outcomes.

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