Dog Immunotherapy Treatment

Treatments that stimulate the body’s immune system have been used for many years. These treatments are called immunotherapy. 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 immunotherapy treatment options 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 proven in trials and has shown some promise. This is specifically for Dog Spleen Tumor or spleen hemangiosarcoma and is used in combination with Dog 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 dog can fight the disease. The other goal is to improve your dog’s immune system enough so that there is less of a chance of recurrence or development of cancer in an otherwise healthy dog. In dogs that have already had some form of cancer treatment, the vaccines are used to kill any remaining cancer cells. It is the hope of the scientists that are developing these vaccines that contain cancer-specific molecules , that the vaccine will assist dogs in fighting the malignant cells without doing damage to any of their healthy cells.

Vaccine for melanomas of the mouth in dogs

In 2007 the US 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 Dog 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 administered every two weeks for a total of four treatments. The dog will then receive boosters 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.

Monoclonal Antibodies

These special proteins are developed in laboratories. They will bind to molecules within the dog’s 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 specifically for cancer treatment in dogs.

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

Suggested Products

Cancer Support Kit for Dogs

Additional Dog Cancer Pages

Dog Cancer | Dog Skin Cancer | Dog Bladder Cancer | Dog Pancreatic Cancer | Dog Bone Cancer | Dog Cancer Prevention | Dog Cancer Diagnosis | Dog Lymphoma Cancer | Dog Gastric Cancer | Dog Mast Cell Tumors