Evidence cluster — nutrition in feline cancer / neoplasia (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC + PubMed)

Representative peer-reviewed studies (verbatim abstracts)

The following studies were retrieved from Europe PMC / PubMed and are reproduced verbatim. Interpretive synthesis is left to the API user.

PMID:41775677 — Ultrasonographic features of feline renal neoplasia: a retrospective study on 187 cases.

Source: J Feline Med Surg 2026
J Feline Med Surg. 2026 Apr;28(4):1098612X261432299. doi:

10.1177/1098612X261432299. Epub 2026 Mar 3.

Ultrasonographic features of feline renal neoplasia: a retrospective study on 187 cases.

Cordella A(1), Lenz J(1), Bertal M(2), Kurihara M(3), Anson A(4), Serafini F(5), Dirrig H(6), Dillenbeck L(7), De Arcangeli S(1), Mai W(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. (2)Department of Diagnostic Imaging, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France. (3)Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. (4)Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA. (5)Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA. (6)Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK. (7)Department of Environmental and Radiologic Health Sciences, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Fort Collins, CO, USA.

ObjectivesUltrasonography plays a crucial role in diagnosing feline renal diseases, including neoplasia. The aims of this study were to describe ultrasonographic features of renal neoplasia in cats and to investigate potential differences between tumor types.MethodsIn this multicenter retrospective study, ultrasonographic images of feline kidneys with cytologically/histologically confirmed renal neoplasia were reviewed. For each kidney, ultrasonographic characteristics (renal length, presence and appearance of a mass, nodules, hypoechoic subcapsular rim, pelvic distension, retroperitoneal effusion) were recorded and compared for each tumor type.ResultsA total of 187 cats (373 kidneys) were included. Tumor types were lymphoma (n = 118, 63%), carcinoma (n = 53, 28.5%), sarcoma (n = 10, 5%), adenoma (n = 3, 2%), histiocytic sarcoma (n = 2, 1%) and nephroblastoma (n = 1, 0.5%). Bilateral disease (P <0.001) and other organ involvement (P = 0.026) were more frequent in lymphoma. A single mass was more frequent in carcinoma (P <0.001). Masses were more frequently hypoechoic in lymphoma (81%) and sarcoma (86%) than in carcinoma (40%) (P = 0.001). In kidneys with masses, a hypoechoic subcapsular rim was more frequent in lymphoma (P = 0.004). In kidneys without mass lesions, kidneys with lymphoma (mean size 51.3 ± 9.8 mm) were significantly larger (P = 0.02) than those with carcinoma (mean size 46.1 ± 6.4 mm) and sarcoma (mean size 42.8 ± 8.9 mm).Conclusions and relevanceLymphoma was the most common renal neoplasia, followed by carcinoma. Some ultrasonographic features, including bilateral involvement, single masses, multiple nodules, hypoechoic subcapsular rim and severity of nephromegaly, can help differentiate feline renal tumor types.

DOI: 10.1177/1098612X261432299 PMCID: PMC13100399 PMID: 41775677 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of interestThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:J Feline Med Surg 2026

J Feline Med Surg. 2026 Apr;28(4):1098612X261432299. doi:

10.1177/1098612X261432299. Epub 2026 Mar 3.

Ultrasonographic features of feline renal neoplasia: a retros

PMID:41751480 — Feline Alimentary Lymphomas: Established Concepts and an Underexplored Molecular Landscape.

Source: Curr Issues Mol Biol 2026
Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2026 Feb 16;48(2):218. doi: 10.3390/cimb48020218.

Feline Alimentary Lymphomas: Established Concepts and an Underexplored Molecular Landscape.

Szafron LA(1), Parys M(2), Parys M(2), Szafron LM(1).

Author information: (1)Department of Experimental Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland. (2)Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies & Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK.

Domestic cats are among the most popular companion animals worldwide, with steadily increasing ownership and life expectancy. Paradoxically, despite their high prevalence and shared environmental exposures with humans, cats remain markedly underrepresented in molecular oncology research. Cancer is a leading cause of feline mortality, and alimentary lymphoma (AL) has emerged as one of the most common feline malignancies, yet its molecular landscape remains poorly characterized. This review summarizes current knowledge on feline AL, including epidemiology, risk factors, classification schemes, diagnostic challenges, treatment outcomes, and survival, with particular emphasis on low-grade alimentary lymphoma (LGAL), the most prevalent subtype. We discuss the complex relationship between chronic inflammatory enteropathies and lymphoma, highlighting diagnostic ambiguities and the inflammatory-neoplastic continuum. Importantly, we provide a critical overview of existing genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies in feline AL, revealing a striking paucity of high-throughput, multi-omics analyses based on clinical material. Recent advances in feline genome assembly and annotation offer new opportunities to address these gaps. Furthermore, we compare feline AL with its human gastrointestinal T-cell lymphoma counterparts, demonstrating substantial molecular homology across key oncogenic pathways, including JAK/STAT signaling. This comparative perspective underscores the potential of feline AL as a naturally occurring model for the human disease. We conclude that comprehensive molecular characterization of feline AL is urgently needed to improve diagnostics, prognostication, and targeted therapies, with likely translational benefits for both veterinary and human oncology. Aim: The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on feline alimentary lymphoma, including its origin, risk, classification, treatment approaches, and especially molecular landscape, which still remains poorly investigated with modern high-throughput techniques.

DOI: 10.3390/cimb48020218 PMCID: PMC12939859 PMID: 41751480

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Curr Issues Mol Biol 2026

Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2026 Feb 16;48(2):218. doi: 10.3390/cimb48020218.

Feline Alimentary Lymphomas: Established Concepts and an Underexplored Molecular Landsca

PMID:41527158 — Diagnosis of pyogranulomatous and neutrophilic lymphadenitis in 72 cats presenting to a referral hospital: with a focus on nine cats with steroid-responsive lymphadenitis.

Source: J Feline Med Surg 2026
J Feline Med Surg. 2026 Mar;28(3):1098612X261416988. doi:

10.1177/1098612X261416988. Epub 2026 Jan 12.

Diagnosis of pyogranulomatous and neutrophilic lymphadenitis in 72 cats presenting to a referral hospital: with a focus on nine cats with steroid-responsive lymphadenitis.

Doyle E(1), Walker J(1).

Author information: (1)Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Hursley, Winchester, UK.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to review diagnoses and infectious disease testing of cats with neutrophilic or pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, and describe the history, clinicopathological abnormalities, diagnostic imaging findings, lymph node cytological/histological appearance, treatment response and outcome of steroid-responsive lymphadenitis in cats.MethodsThe medical records of 72 cats documented to have pyogranulomatous, neutrophilic or mixed lymphadenitis between January 2015 and December 2023 at a single referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsFeline infectious peritonitis (25/72, 35%) was the most common cause of lymphadenitis and frequently pyogranulomatous. Neoplasia (11/72, 15%) was the overall next most common cause and the most common cause of neutrophilic lymphadenitis. The remaining diagnoses included nine (12.5%) cats with steroid-responsive lymphadenitis, eight (11%) with inflammatory disease, seven (10%) with other suspected bacterial infections, five (7%) with mycobacterial infections, five (7%) with neutrophilic to pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis of unclear cause and two (3%) with toxoplasmosis with variable inflammatory lymphadenitis. Steroid-responsive lymphadenitis cases were often middle-aged (median 7 years 10 months) castrated males (6/9). Common signs included lethargy (7/9, 78%), hyporexia/anorexia (7/9, 78%), pyrexia (7/9, 78%), peripheral lymphadenopathy (6/9) and weight loss (5/9). Frequently affected lymph nodes were submandibular (5/9), popliteal (4/9) and jejunal (4/9). Cytology was more commonly neutrophilic (8/14, 57%) than pyogranulomatous (4/14, 29%). After variable infectious disease testing, all cats received prednisolone (median dose 1.25 mg/kg, range 0.5-2.3) for a median of 5.75 months (range 4-11). All improved initially; relapse occurred in 33% during treatment, after tapering or discontinuation. Two cats (22%) were euthanased after relapse, with one developing neurological signs.Conclusions and relevanceSteroid-responsive lymphadenitis should be considered in cats presenting with inflammatory lymphadenopathy when no identifiable underlying infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic cause is identified, and most cases respond well to glucocorticoid treatment.

Plain Language Summary: Diagnosis of cats with a specific type of rare chronic inflammation in their lymph glands, with a focus on cats who responded to steroid treatmentThis study looked at cats with a particular type of lymph node inflammation called neutrophilic or pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis. These types of inflammation are usually caused by infection or cancer, but in some cats, no obvious cause is found. The aim was to find out which diseases caused this type of inflammation and what infectious disease tests were performed in these cases. We also focused on a small group of cats who responded well to steroid treatment after an infectious or cancerous cause was excluded, which suggests their condition might have been immune-related. We reviewed 72 cats and found the most common diagnosis was feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), diagnosed in 25 cats, but other causes included cancer, bacterial infections and rare infections, such as mycobacterial infections and toxoplasmosis. In nine cats, no infection, inflammatory condition or cancer was found, but they improved with steroid treatment and were diagnosed with steroid-responsive lymphadenitis. These cats were often middle-aged, castrated males. Their most common signs included tiredness, fever, swollen lymph nodes and weight loss. The lymph nodes under the jaw or associated with the intestines were most frequently affected. Diagnostic testing was used to rule out potential infections like FIP, toxoplasmosis and mycobacterial infections. Most of these cats received a steroid called prednisolone for several months, and the majority improved. Two cats were euthanased after relapsing, and 33% of cats had signs return during treatment or after their dose of medication was reduced. This study shows that if no infection or cancer is found, some cats with this type of lymph node inflammation may benefit from steroid treatment.

DOI: 10.1177/1098612X261416988 PMCID: PMC12961132 PMID: 41527158 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of interestThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:J Feline Med Surg 2026

J Feline Med Surg. 2026 Mar;28(3):1098612X261416988. doi:

10.1177/1098612X261416988. Epub 2026 Jan 12.

Diagnosis of pyogranulomatous and neutrophilic lymphadenitis

PMID:41689038 — Spinal extradural meningioma mimicking lumbar disc herniation in a cat: a case report.

Source: BMC Vet Res 2026
BMC Vet Res. 2026 Feb 13;22(1):177. doi: 10.1186/s12917-026-05310-4.

Spinal extradural meningioma mimicking lumbar disc herniation in a cat: a case report.

Ji S(#)(1)(2), Chae HK(#)(3)(4), Hong YJ(5).

Author information: (1)Department of Veterinary Radiology, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul, 04101, Republic of Korea. (2)College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. (3)Department of Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea. (4)Korea Society of Feline Medicine, Seoul, 05556, Republic of Korea. (5)Department of Veterinary Surgery, Western Referral Animal Medical Center, Seoul, 04101, Republic of Korea. vethong@hanmail.net. (#)Contributed equally

BACKGROUND: Neoplasia affecting the feline spinal column is an uncommon clinical occurrence, with the most frequently documented types being lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, glial tumors, and meningioma. This report describes the first case of an extradural meningioma affecting the lumbar spinal cord of a cat. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with a two-day history of paresis, dyschezia, and reduced tail movement. Hematologic testing and thoracic radiographs revealed no abnormalities; however, lumbar radiography identified a radiopaque mass in the spinal canal at the L5-6 level. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an extruded nucleus pulposus-like extradural mass with limited parenchymal enhancement, compressing the spinal cord at L5-6. A hemilaminectomy was performed, and an extradural soft tissue mass not attached to the dura mater was excised. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a fibrous meningioma. CONCLUSIONS: While spinal meningiomas typically present as intradural extramedullary lesions, their occurrence in the extradural space is exceptionally uncommon, especially when no dural connection is present. This case provides the first imaging description of an extradural fibrous meningioma without dural involvement in a cat. Clinically, this highlights the importance of considering atypical forms of meningioma in the differential diagnosis of extradural spinal masses with minimal contrast enhancement.

DOI: 10.1186/s12917-026-05310-4 PMCID: PMC13005468 PMID: 41689038 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: As this is a case report of a single client-owned animal, formal ethical approval was not required by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The owner provided informed consent for all diagnostic procedures, surgical interventions, and the use of clinical data for publication purposes. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:BMC Vet Res 2026

BMC Vet Res. 2026 Feb 13;22(1):177. doi: 10.1186/s12917-026-05310-4.

Spinal extradural meningioma mimicking lumbar disc herniation in a cat: a case report.

Ji S(#)(1)(2

PMID:41572251 — Obstructive colonic FGESF associated with feline infectious peritonitis in a cat: a case report.

Source: BMC Vet Res 2026
BMC Vet Res. 2026 Jan 23;22(1):149. doi: 10.1186/s12917-026-05287-0.

Obstructive colonic FGESF associated with feline infectious peritonitis in a cat: a case report.

Navvabi M(#)(1), Samaei R(1), Fathipour V(2), Mazandarani M(3), Askarzadeh F(4), Masouleh MN(5), Abdous A(#)(6)(7).

Author information: (1)Goldenfox Pet Clinic, Tehran, Iran. (2)Proba Veterinary Laboratory, Tehran, Iran. (3)Dr. Masouleh Veterinary Imaging Center, Tehran, Iran. (4)Department of Clinical Sciences,Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Alborz, Iran. (5)Department of Clinical Sciences,SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. (6)Department of Clinical Sciences,Ka.C., Islamic Azad University, Alborz, Iran. armanabds1374@gmail.com. (7)School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. armanabds1374@gmail.com. (#)Contributed equally

BACKGROUND: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a severe immune-mediated disease that develops in a small proportion of cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV). Clinical manifestations are variable and most commonly involve systemic inflammatory disease with or without effusion. Gastrointestinal signs, including vomiting or diarrhea, may be observed; however, focal intestinal lesions leading to mechanical obstruction are rare. Histopathologic changes resembling feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) have only rarely been reported in association with FIP. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-month-old Scottish Fold cat was evaluated for vomiting, constipation, weight loss, and jaundice. Abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified an approximately 80 mm segment of marked transmural thickening of the distal descending colon resulting in mechanical obstruction. Surgical resection was performed. Histopathologic examination of the excised segment revealed a dense fibroinflammatory lesion characterized by marked eosinophilic infiltration, reactive spindle-shaped fibroblasts, and prominent collagen trabeculae, consistent with an FGESF-like process. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated intracytoplasmic feline coronavirus antigen within macrophages in the resected tissue. Feline coronavirus RNA was also detected in peripheral blood by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The affected colonic segment was resected with end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperative management included supportive care, antimicrobial therapy, corticosteroids, nutritional support via an esophagostomy tube, and antiviral treatment with GS-441,524. Antiviral therapy was initiated by subcutaneous injection and subsequently continued orally for a total duration of 12 weeks. Progressive clinical improvement was observed, including resolution of gastrointestinal signs and jaundice, weight gain, and improvement in clinicopathologic abnormalities during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This case describes an uncommon presentation of non-effusive FIP associated with a colonic FGESF-like fibroinflammatory lesion causing mechanical obstruction. FIP should be considered among differential diagnoses for eosinophilic intestinal masses in young cats, even in the absence of effusion. Integration of histopathology with molecular diagnostic techniques, including lesion-based immunohistochemistry, may support diagnostic evaluation in atypical cases. Early recognition and etiology-directed management may contribute to favorable short-term outcomes.

DOI: 10.1186/s12917-026-05287-0 PMCID: PMC12954929 PMID: 41572251 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This report describes a single client-owned cat examined and treated at Goldenfox Pet Clinic (Tehran, Iran) as part of routine clinical care. In accordance with institutional and national guidelines, formal ethical approval was not required for a retrospective description of standard clinical management. No experimental procedures were performed, and all care was undertaken in the best interests of the animal. Consent for publication: Written informed consent for publication of the case details and images was obtained from the owner. A copy of the consent is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:BMC Vet Res 2026

BMC Vet Res. 2026 Jan 23;22(1):149. doi: 10.1186/s12917-026-05287-0.

Obstructive colonic FGESF associated with feline infectious peritonitis in a cat: a case report.

PMID:41856840 — Navigating the Diagnostic Continuum: Feline Lymphoplasmacytic Enteritis and Low-Grade Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma.

Source: Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2026
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2026 May;56(3):681-695. doi:

10.1016/j.cvsm.2026.01.007. Epub 2026 Mar 19.

Navigating the Diagnostic Continuum: Feline Lymphoplasmacytic Enteritis and Low-Grade Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma.

Webb CB(1), Avery A(2), Rout E(2).

Author information: (1)Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. Electronic address: cbwebb@colostate.edu. (2)Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1301 Center Avenue Mall, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.

This article discusses the importance of accurately diagnosing feline gastrointestinal diseases, particularly differentiating inflammatory bowel disease from alimentary lymphoma. It emphasizes that precise diagnosis impacts treatment decisions, prognosis, and research. The review covers diagnostic approaches, including clinical signs, diet trials, imaging, biopsies, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing. It explores the potential progression from chronic inflammation to lymphoma, highlighting similarities with human disease pathways. Ultimately, improved understanding and classification of these diseases will enhance patient management, guide targeted therapies, and advance translational research benefiting both feline and human medicine.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2026.01.007 PMID: 41856840 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: Disclosures The authors have nothing to disclose.

Abstract (verbatim excerpt):

JOURNAL:Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2026

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2026 May;56(3):681-695. doi: