Use of chemotherapy in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) with epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma: Two cases (2021–2022)

Epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (ETCL) is rarely described in golden or Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), and no effective treatments or outcomes have previously been published. This study includes two cases of epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that were diagnosed via skin biopsy. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome were reported. Both cases received chemotherapy, including prednisolone, lomustine, L-asparaginase and chlorambucil. One Syrian hamster that received prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) and chlorambucil (0.04 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) survived 276 days after diagnosis. Another Syrian hamster treated with prednisolone (1 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) survived 81 days after diagnosis. The effectiveness of lomustine and L-asparaginase remains unknown for Syrian hamsters, and more studies are needed to determine appropriate dose ranges for chlorambucil. The combination of chlorambucil (0.4 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) and prednisolone (0.5–1 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) may assist in managing epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Syrian hamsters. © 2024 British Veterinary Association.