Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Fred, an 11-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat, was diagnosed with metastatic mast cell cancer in 2019. This type of cancer affects the immune system, causing mast cells—normally a vital part of immune function—to accumulate abnormally in organs and the bloodstream. Fred’s spleen was infiltrated with mast cells, requiring a splenectomy. Shortly after his surgery, Fred came to AMC and was evaluated by the Medical Oncology Service, where further signs of mast cell disease were detected in his liver and abdominal lymph nodes. In response, the team initiated treatment with the first oral chemotherapy drug developed specifically for animals. Fred’s condition stabilized quickly with the medication, and he tolerated it remarkably well over the next six years. Recently, however, Fred’s disease progressed rapidly, and he became critically ill. Now 17 years old, he was hospitalized under the care of the Oncology Service in February of this year. The team acted swiftly to stabilize him and adjusted his treatment with a higher dose of the medication. Once again, Fred responded well to the intervention, and he continues to thrive with this ongoing care.
Fred, an 11-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat, was diagnosed with metastatic mast cell cancer in 2019. This type of cancer affects the immune system, causing mast cells—normally a vital part of immune function—to accumulate abnormally in organs and the bloodstream. Fred’s spleen was infiltrated with mast cells, requiring a splenectomy. Shortly after his surgery, Fred came to AMC and was evaluated by the Medical Oncology Service, where further signs of mast cell disease were detected in his liver and abdominal lymph nodes. In response, the team initiated treatment with the first oral chemotherapy drug developed specifically for animals. Fred’s condition stabilized quickly with the medication, and he tolerated it remarkably well over the next six years. Recently, however, Fred’s disease progressed rapidly, and he became critically ill. Now 17 years old, he was hospitalized under the care of the Oncology Service in February of this year. The team acted swiftly to stabilize him and adjusted his treatment with a higher dose of the medication. Once again, Fred responded well to the intervention, and he continues to thrive with this ongoing care.
