Cat Immunotherapy Treatment

Veterinarian Reviewed on April 2, 2014 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Cat Immunotherapy Treatment

Treatments that stimulate the human body’s immune system have been used for many years. These treatments are called immunotherapy treatments. In the past they were primarily used for fighting viruses and bacteria. In recent years, scientists have realized the value of immunotherapy for protecting the body in other situations. One of these is cancer. It is also used to fight cancer. Although there are many available, some are still in the trial stages and are considered experimental.

Hemangiosarcoma of the spleen

There is a substance called L-MTP-PE, which is a synthetic bacterial wall component that has been used in trials and has shown some promise. This is specifically for Cat Spleen Tumor or spleen hemangiosarcoma in combination with Cat Cancer Chemotherapy. The pets in the study had either stage 1 or stage 2 carcinoma. Those who received the L-MTP-PE had a significantly better reaction than those that received the placebo. Although survival rate is still limited, it can be slightly prolonged with its use.

Vaccines for cancer therapy

Vaccines are hopefully twofold. By stimulating the immune system your cat can fight the disease. The other goal is to improve your cat’s immune system enough so that there is less of a chance of recurrence or development of cancer in a healthy cat. In cats that have already had cancer treatment, the vaccines are used to kill any remaining cancer cells in their body. The goal of the scientists that are developing these vaccines that contain cancer-specific molecules, is to assist the cat in fighting the malignant cells without doing damage to their healthy cells.

Vaccine for melanomas of the mouth

In 2007 the Department of Agriculture gave conditional approval to scientists for a DNA vaccine which fought canine melanoma of the mouth. This was a first for the government. The Animal medical Center of New York in conjunction with Sloan Kettering, developed the vaccine. It was shown to extend the life span in any state of Cat Oral Melanoma. Another significant point to present is the fact that the vaccine is administered without a needle. Instead a new transdermal (through the skin) device was developed. The protocol is administration every two weeks for a total of four treatments. Pets then receive a booster every six months. The vaccine received full approval in just three years. In 2010 it was granted full approval by the Department of Agriculture for prevention of oral melanoma in both dogs and cats.

Monoclonal Antibodies

These special proteins are developed in laboratories. They will bind to molecules within the body and also on cancer cells. There is a large variety of monoclonal antibodies. Each one is designed to find a specific molecule.

Although some of these treatments have been approved for use in humans there are none currently approved for cancer treatment in cats.

Research into studies are available in depth on the internet. The most important step you can take when considering treatment of any type of Cat Cancer is to develop a good relationship with your veterinary oncologist. In this way you can form a team of caregivers for your beloved cat. While one may be handling day to day care, the other can handle problems specifically dealing with your cat’s cancer.

Additional Cat Cancer Pages

Cat Cancer | Cat Skin Cancer | Cat Lung Cancer | Cat Pancreatic Cancer | Cat Cancer Prevention | Cat Cancer Diagnosis | Cat Gastric Cancer | Cat Lymphoma Cancer | Cat Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Cat Mouth Cancer | Cat Brain Tumor | Cat Palliative Cancer Care

Read also: Cat Myxosarcoma
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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