Information
Bulletin
Title: Immunogene Therapy For Feline Vaccine Associated
Sarcoma
(Approved study) IACUC C261 CRRC 2123
The purpose of the research is to study in the laboratory the concept of
a cancer vaccine for cats with vaccine associated sarcomas (VAS). VAS is a
highly malignant locally invading cancer found at the site of previously given
vaccines. Current therapy involves surgical removal of the cancer and in some
cases radiation treatment. The current approach is moderately successful but
some cats do have regrowth of the cancer within about 1-2 years. We hope to
develop a vaccine that would help the cat fight the left over cancer cells. In
order to do this we need cancerous tissue and blood from cats with new VASs,
which are presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Cats to be included in the study must meet the criteria of being good
surgical candidates. These are essentially cats that are in good health apart
from the cancer. Blood tests and X-rays may be required before inclusion in the
study. With owner’s signed informed consent, 10 cats presented to the
University of Florida’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital will undergo the normal
surgical procedure for VAS. Samples will then be collected from the surgically
removed cancer for processing in the laboratory. We will also need to collect 10
ml of blood from the cats. All of these procedures will take place with the cat
under anesthesia. The owner will be asked by the surgeon to return with the cat
to the VMTH on a regular basis to monitor the surgical site.
With any procedure that requires anesthesia there is always the potential for anesthetic complications. These complications can be as bad as anesthetic death, however all anesthetics done at the VMTH are done under the supervision of a board certified anesthesiologist, and so everything humanly possible is done to minimize the risk. The only procedure that will be done over and above the routine surgical treatment of VAS is the collection of 10 ml of blood. This will occur during the anesthesia and therefore will be of little discomfort to the cat. The removal of 10 ml of blood is unlikely to drop the cat’s blood pressure, however should this occur fluids will be given to restore blood pressure. Pain control as it applies to all cats that have routine surgery for VAS will be given. The cat’s progress will be monitored by board certified anesthesiologists and surgeons until full recovery. Because of the nature of VAS, surgery may involve significant surgical margins which often results in a long surgical incision and subsequent wound. However, these cases are routinely handled successfully by the VMTH surgical service and wound complications are rare.
Information derived from this laboratory study will be used to develop a cancer vaccine for cats with vaccine associated sarcomas (cancer). This research will also provide information that could help in the understanding of human soft tissue sarcomas.
All cost for the radiographs, anesthesia, surgery, and blood work and
hospitalization charges will be paid for by study funds to a maximum of $1000.00
per cat. This applies only to cats that meet the criteria of being a good
surgical candidate and are included in the study. The owner still pays for
office visits for illnesses unrelated to this study.
Contact details:
Small Animal Clinical Services College of Veterinary Medicine, University of
Florida
PO Box 10012Tel: (352) 392 4700 ext 5258 Fax (352) 392 6125
Tel: (352) 392 4700 ext 5258 Fax (352) 392 6125
e-mail. milnerr@mail.vetmed.ufl.edu
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