Efficacy of different treatment modalities for eye cancer in bovines

Bovine ocular squamous cell carcinoma also called cancer eye, represents the most economically important neoplasm in large animals. Hereditary factors, environmental factors (e.g: latitude, altitude, exposure to sunlight), lack of eyelid pigmentation, age and dietary habits have all been reported to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of bovine ocular squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, in cattle the etiology has been linked to a number of viral agents, especially bovine papilloma virus and bovine herpes virus type 1 and 5. Nevertheless, ultraviolet light, viruses and circumocular pigmentation are the major epidemiologic risk factors for the development of the tumor. The efficacy of different treatment modalities for eye cancer in bovines was studied.

All the animals were divided in to four groups of six animals each. Surgical excision, intra lesion BCG vaccine, surgery with auto vaccine and surgery with mitomycin was the treatment protocols followed. Immunohistochemical studies were conducted to know the rate of proliferation of bovine ye cancer. Immunopositive reaction was observed against vascular endothelial growthfactor and epidermal growth factor receptor in all the cases.

The benefits of different treatment modalities depended on nature, type, location and extensiveness of tumor. Early detection and aggressive treatment were essential in the successful management of these tumors. A multimodal treatment approach was recommended with surgery, immunotherapy and chemotherapy in providing 100% disease free interval.