Continuing research is essential in the effort to better understand the complex issue of vaccine-associated sarcomas.  While prevention is the ultimate goal in the battle against this aggressive cancer, so too are researchers continuing their quest regarding how best to successfully treat it.
We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled:

"Intra-tumoral Gene Delivery of feIL-2, feIFN-γ and feGM-CSF using Magnetofection as a Neoadjuvant Treatment Option for Feline Fibrosarcomas: A Phase-I Study", published in: 
J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med.
2007 Dec;54(10):599-606.

The professional community is continuing to conduct research in an attempt to determine "which" treatment protocol holds the greatest hope in battling this aggressive cancer. We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Adjuvant Immunotherapy of Feline Fibrosarcoma with Recombinant Feline Interferon-ɯ", published in the November/December 2007 issue of the "Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine".

Many questions remain unanswered in the battle against VAS even though researchers continue to make great strides in their attempt to better understand this aggressive cancer.  We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Bilateral Subcutaneous Fibrosarcomas in a Cat Following Feline Parvo, Herpes and Calicivirus Vaccination", published in the Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, Volume 9, Issue 5, October 2007, Pages 432-434

Continuing to document the risk of VAS worldwide we present the abstract titled: "Comparison of the Histology and Immunohistochemistry of Vaccination-Site and Non-Vaccination-Site Sarcomas from Cats in New Zealand", published in the October 2007 New Zealand Veterinary Journal.


WPIX, Channel 11 of New York recently presented "Miracle Cure for Pet Cancers" on the "Fact Finders" segment of their nightly news program.
This heartfelt story focuses on Rover, a twelve year old feline child and his family valiantly battling VAS.  Rover's veterinarian is utilizing Neoplasene or "Blood Root" in an attempt to shrink and hopefully eradicate his progressed and ulcerating tumor.
The choice between traditional and natural medicine continues to evolve.
Our continued goal is to empower animal lovers with the information which enables them to make the very best decision regarding the health care needs of their furry family's.

"Miracle Cure for Pet Cancers ?"

Note: The video will play after a brief "intro" commercial.


Thanks to the continued kind assistance of Dr. Brian Wilcock and Anne Wilcock, we are pleased to be able to share with you an updated statistical summary of cases submitted to their organization, HISTOVET, Veterinary Pathology, for diagnostic evaluation.
Dr. Wilcock is a highly respected surgical pathologist as well as a professor of pathology at Ontario Veterinary College.  In addition to Dr. Wilcock's numerous professional achievements, he is recipient of the distinguished "Award of Merit" by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.
Feline Postvaccinal Sarcomas: Year 2006 Canadian Update 

Continuing research is essential in the effort to better understand the complex issue of vaccine-associated sarcomas.  While prevention is the ultimate goal in the battle against this aggressive cancer, so too are researchers continuing their quest regarding how best to successfully treat it.
We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Results of a Phase II Clinical Trial on the Use of ifosfamide For Treatment of Cats With Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas"  which follows the article below, both of which were published in the March 2006 issue of the
"American Journal of Veterinary Research"

Continuing research is essential in the effort to better understand the complex issue of vaccine-associated sarcomas.  While prevention is the ultimate goal in the battle against this aggressive cancer, so too are researchers continuing their quest regarding how best to successfully treat it.
We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "
Phase I Trial and Pharmacokinetic Analysis of ifosfamide in Cats With Sarcomas" which was published in the March 2006 issue of the "American Journal of Veterinary Research"

The January 2006 issue of Veterinary Pathology includes the article titled "Vaccine-Associated Rhabdomyosarcoma with Spinal Epidural Invasion and Pulmonary Metastasis in a Cat".  
This abstract summarizes the development of another type of sarcoma and resulting complications believed to be associated with the administration of feline vaccinations. 

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association is one of the most respected and widely read peer reviewed publications within the veterinary community.  We're pleased to be able to share with you the article titled: "Outcome Following Surgical Removal of Nonvisceral Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Cats: 42 Cases 1992–2000"While this research study included different forms of feline soft tissue sarcomas, results suggest that tumor size and type are significantly associated with survival time in cats with nonvisceral soft tissue tumors.

Continuing research is essential in the effort to better understand the complex issue of vaccine-associated sarcomas.  While prevention is the ultimate goal in the battle against this aggressive cancer, so too are researchers continuing their quest regarding how best to successfully treat it.
The November 2005 issue of Veterinary Pathology includes the article titled "Aberrant p53 Expression in Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas and Correlation with Prognosis" which details some of the latest research taking place at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine.

"Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas (FVAS)"
Dr. Elizabeth McNiel, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM Oncology, Diplomate ACVR Radiation Oncology summarizes the current VAS related research efforts at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Cancer Center.

Dr. Philip Kass, DVM PhD, Dipl. ACVPM  is a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of California's School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Kass is one of the nations leading experts in the field of veterinary epidemiology and who with his colleagues has dedicated numerous years of research towards attempting to better understand this aggressive cancer.
Dr. Kass recently conducted a "telelecture" titled "The Epidemiology of Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas"  sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health.
This lecture is an comprehensive overview of this complex issue in veterinary medicine, one which experts have been attempting to understand since 1991.

Special Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the pages of this comprehensive report. (Please be patient as this is a very large file)
If you do not have this application already installed on your computer, you can use this direct link to Adobe's website where you can download it for free.
getacro.gif (1692 bytes)


We are truly pleased to be able to share with you the complete transcripts of the VAFSTF Roundtable Discussion that was  conducted in December of 2004.
Published in the June 1st issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, this comprehensive report is truly a one of a kind  assessment of this complex feline healthcare issue.
Our family would like to once again extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. James R. Richards, Director, Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Richards serves on the board of the "Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force" and whose efforts were instrumental in seeing this most significant milestone to its fruition.
This report, authored by some of our nations leading veterinary professionals is a "must read" for any feline loving family attempting to make the best decisions concerning the vaccination needs of their furry family.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association is one of the most respected and widely read peer reviewed publications within the veterinary community.  We're pleased to be able to share with you the article titled: "Researchers Probe Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma"This article summarizes a symposium which was presented at the AVMA's 2004 Annual Symposium.  
Dr.'s Dennis Macy and Richard Ford, two of the nations leading feline immunology experts, provide a current summary of the efforts currently taking place to better understand this aggressive cancer. 



While many questions remain unanswered in the battle against VAS researchers continue to make great strides in their attempt to better understand this aggressive cancer.  We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled:
"Imatinib Mesylate Inhibits Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Activity and Increases Chemosensitivity in Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma".
Published in the July 2004 issue of
Cancer Chemotherapy Pharmacology this abstract details the continued  research efforts taking place in an attempt to provide the most effective VAS treatment protocols.

We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Feline Vaccine Site-Associated Sarcomas"  which was published in the March 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Veterinary Research"
This abstract details the continuing VAS related research efforts taking place towards attempting to better understand the factors that lead to the development of this aggressive cancer, with the additional hope of developing the most successful treatment protocol(s).

We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Vaccine Site-Associated Sarcoma and Malignant Lymphoma in Cats: A Report of Six Cases (1997-2002)".   This abstract which was published in the January/February 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association briefly summarizes a "study within a study" with regard to the treatment protocol's being utilized in the battle to defeat this aggressive cancer.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association is one of the most respected and widely read peer reviewed publications within the veterinary community.  We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Multicenter Case-Control Study of Risk Factors Associated With Development of Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas in Cats".  This abstract summarizes the results of one of the largest VAS research efforts ever undertaken.  Dr. Philip Kass of U.C. Davis, a long time advocate of our family's "effort of education" continues to head a nationwide campaign to better understand and hopefully eradicate this terrible disease.

We're pleased to be able to share with you the summary of a research study undertaken in an effort to better understand the comparison of canine and feline post injection tumors.
"Fibrosarcomas at Presumed Sites of Injection in Dogs: Characteristics and Comparison With Non-vaccination Site Fibrosarcomas and Feline Post-Vaccinal Fibrosarcomas"
Published in the August 2003 issue of the
Journal of Veterinary  Medicine. A,  Physiology, Pathology, Clinical Medicine Aug;50(6):286-91.

Continuing research is essential in the effort to better understand the complex issue of vaccine-associated sarcomas.  While the majority of vaccine related tumors have, and continue to be associated with the feline species, other cases of post vaccination related tumors have been reported in other species as well.
"Histology and Immunohistochemistry of Seven Ferret Vaccination-site Fibrosarcomas", published in the May 2003 issue of Veterinary Pathology provides a  comprehensive assessment of  vaccination site tumors in ferrets.



"C.A.M.P. 
Advice on Injection-Site Fibrosarcomas in Cats"
Published in the March 29, 2003 issue of The Veterinary Record,
the Committee for Veterinary Medical Products, European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) details the European veterinary medical community's official "position" concerning this important world wide health care concern.

Special Note:

The articles linked below are temporarily available.  The organization that manages the Wild West Veterinary Conference has recently removed Dr. Macy's seminars from their web effort.

We're currently in the process of attempting to obtain a summary of these articles from our long time advocate Dr. Macy.

Dr. Dennis Macy of Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine is an internationally respected specialist in the field of veterinary immunology as well as long time advocate of our family's "effort of education".
We're very pleased to be able to share with you the symposium notes from two seminars that Dr. Macy presented at the 2002 Wild West Veterinary Conference
"Vaccine Associated Sarcoma - Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis"
"
Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas: Are They All Caused By Vaccines?"


"Veterinary Surgery" is the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the European College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Previously, we had provided a link to the abstract titled: "Progression of Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma in a Cohort of 294 Cats Described by a Markov Process". (abstract)
We're now very pleased to present the full text of this research effort that was presented at the 2002 ACVS Veterinary Symposium, October 17-20, 2002 San Diego, California. (full text)
Special Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the pages of this comprehensive publication.
If you do not have this application already installed on your computer, you can use this direct link to Adobe's website where you can download it for free.

The professional community is continuing to conduct research in an attempt to determine "which" treatment protocol holds the greatest hope in battling this aggressive cancer. We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Liposome-Encapsulated Doxorubicin (Doxil) and Doxorubicin in the Treatment of Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma in Cats" which was published in the November/December 2002 issue of the "Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine".

With the kind assistance of, and permission from our friends at the "World Small Animal Veterinary Association", we are very pleased to be able to share with you the comprehensive seminar notes of two seminars that were presented as part of the WSAVA's year 2002 World Congress which was held in Granada, Spain - October 3-6.
"Update on Feline Fibrosarcoma
(Dr. Patrick Devauchelle, DVM)
"Ten Best Kept Secrets for Treating Cats with Cancer"
(Dr. Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM)


We are pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Preoperative Radiotherapy for Vaccine Associated Sarcoma in 92Cats", published in the September/October 2002 issue of "Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound", the official publication of the "American College of Veterinary Radiology".
This abstract details some of the continuing VAS related research efforts being conducted in an attempt to determine the most effective treatment protocol in the battle against this aggressive cancer.

histovetlogo00.gif (2139 bytes)
Thanks to the kind assistance of Dr. Brian Wilcock and Anne Wilcock, we are pleased to be able to share with you an updated statistical summary of cases submitted to their organization, HISTOVET, Veterinary Pathology, for diagnostic evaluation.
Dr. Wilcock is a highly respected surgical pathologist as well as a professor of pathology at Ontario Veterinary College.  In addition to Dr. Wilcock's numerous professional achievements, he is recipient of the distinguished "Award of Merit" by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.
Feline Postvaccinal Sarcomas: Year 2000 Canadian Update (1995-2000)
Feline Postvaccinal Sarcomas: Year 2002 Canadian Update (1995-2002)

The professional community is continuing to conduct research in an attempt to determine "which" treatment protocol holds the greatest hope in battling this aggressive cancer.  While surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are traditionally considered the "standard" of care with regard to veterinary oncology, new "hope" is on the horizon.
We would like to extend our family's heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Rowan Milner, BVSc MMed Vet (Med) ECVIM Assistant Professor, Small Animal Clinical Services College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida. Thanks to Dr. Milner's kind assistance we are pleased to be able to share the summary of an exciting new VAS research study titled: "Immunogene Therapy For Feline Vaccine Associated Sarcoma"  
Dr. Milner and his colleagues' efforts will hopefully lead to a vaccine that would assist in destroying any residual cancer cells in a kitty
battling VAS following "traditional" treatment.

Reflecting the fact that the issue of VAS is truly of world-wide concern, we are very pleased to be able to share with you three excellent abstracts of seminars which are scheduled to be presented at the upcoming 2002 Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Munich Germany.
*Screening of Cats With Fibrosarcoma for Clinical Trials – Experience of 250 Cases.  

*Phase I Clinical Study Of GM-CSF in the Adjuvant Therapy of Feline Fibrosarcomas.  
*Phase II-Study Of Adjuvant Immunostimulation Via Gene Therapy To Surgical Excision of Fibrosarcoma in Cats.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Johannes Hirschberger, Professor, Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, University of Munich for allowing us to reproduce these abstracts as part of our dear Angel girl's "effort of education".
We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to some very special friend's in Germany, Mo and Leo and Ferdl & Kaspar (their fur children).  Mo is a journalist and were it not for her diligent efforts in dialoguing with Dr. Hirschberger, our family would not have had the opportunity to empower ourselves and others with this excellent information. 

Vaccine adjuvant's, repeated inflammation and genetic predisposition are the three main theories relating to the possible cause(s) of injection site tumors. While there is as of yet no firm consensus concerning which of these three factor(s) leads to the development of injection site tumors, the distinguished researchers at the University of Minnesota have truly reached a milestone.
"Methods And Reagents For Genetic Testing For A Predisposition To The Development Of Vaccine Associated Sarcomas In Cats"
The University of Minnesota has a U.S. patent pending for a simple test that will identify kitty's who have a genetic predisposition to developing VAS.
As of yet we have been unable to obtain any comprehensive information regarding this new genetic test but you can click on the logo above to read a brief summary of information regarding this groundbreaking development in veterinary medicine.

Our family would like to thank Dr.'s Erica E. Carroll and Ronald D. Schultz for taking the time out of their busy schedules to share a summary of the VAS/companion animal research efforts taking place at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Schultz is a nationally recognized expert in the field of veterinary immunology. With the assistance of esteemed colleagues such as Dr. Carroll, their organization is  helping to lead the research efforts taking place towards improving the safety and efficacy of both feline and canine vaccines.

We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Evaluation of In Vitro Chemosensitivity of Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Cell Lines to Vincristine and Paclitaxel"  which was published in the May 2002 issue of the "American Journal of Veterinary Research"
This abstract details the continued VAS related research efforts taking place in an attempt to determine the treatment protocol(s) that will provide the most effective means of battling this aggressive cancer.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association is one of the most respected and widely read peer reviewed publications within the veterinary community.  We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Progress Made In Feline Sarcoma Research".  This abstract summarizes some of the current research efforts taking place in the battle against VAS. 
The AVMA is currently working towards  including abstracts of their professional journal articles as part of the public section of their organizations web effort.  When available online, companion animal lovers will have yet another means to empower themselves with information that will assist them in making the very best decisions concerning the health care needs of their family.

"Veterinary Surgery" is the official journal of the "American College of Veterinary Surgeons".
The link above will take you to the abstract titled: "Radical Lateral Body-Wall Resection for Fibrosarcoma With Reconstruction Using Polypropylene Mesh and a Caudal Superficial Epigastric Axial Pattern Flap: A Prospective Clinical Study of the Technique and Results in 6 Cats".
This abstract details reconstructive surgery research efforts undertaken by the professionals in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; and at the South Texas Surgical Center, San Antonio, TX.

We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Evaluation of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissues From Feline Vaccine Site-Associated Sarcomas For Feline Foamy Virus DNA"  which was published in the January 2002 issue of the "American Journal of Veterinary Research"
This abstract details the continued VAS related research efforts taking place in the Departments of Veterinary Pathology (Kidney, Jackson) and Veterinary Microbiology (Ellis, Haines), at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Feline Vaccine-Associated Fibrosarcoma: Morphologic Distinctions" which was published in the January 2002 issue of  "Veterinary Pathology", the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.  
This abstract details the VAS related research efforts taking place at the
University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association is one of the most respected and widely read peer reviewed publications for members of the veterinary community.  We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: Use of Surgery and Electron Beam Irradiation, With or Without Chemotherapy, for Treatment of Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas in Cats: 78 Cases (1996-2000).  This abstract summarizes the full text version of the article that was published in the December 1st issue of the AVMA's professional journal. 

We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Comparison of Endogenous Feline Leukemia Virus RNA Content in Feline Vaccine and Nonvaccine Site-Associated Sarcomas" which was published in the December issue of the "American Journal of Veterinary Research".
This abstract details the VAS related research efforts taking place in the Departments of Veterinary Pathology (Kidney, Jackson) and Veterinary Microbiology (Ellis, Haines), at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Kenneth M. Rassnick, Assistant Professor, Comparative Cancer Program, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Rassnick was kind enough to make the time in his busy schedule to share with us a summary of a multicenter VAS chemotherapy trial, involving the concerted efforts of veterinary oncologists throughout the country.
Dr. Rassnick and his distinguished colleagues at Cornell University are helping to lead the research efforts taking place in the battle against VAS.  The purpose of this study, funded by the Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force and Winn Feline Foundation is to document evidence of antitumor activity when ifosfamide is used to treat cats with vaccine-associated sarcomas.
We would also like to reference a comprehensive article concerning VAS which was authored by two of Dr. Rassnick's colleagues at Cornell University.
Linked below on this page, you will find the article titled: 
"Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas" (J Vet Intern Med 2001;15:176-182).  Authored by Dr.'s Margaret C. McEntee and Rodney L. Page, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, this seven page report is truly one of the most comprehensive assessments of the numerous issues relating to VAS.

With kind permission from Dr. William S. Dernell, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado and the kind assistance of our friends at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, we are very pleased to be able to share with you the notes from a seminar titled: Vaccine Associated Sarcomas In Cats: An Update.
Dr. Dernell presented this seminar as part of the ACVS's most recent annual symposium, conducted October 11-14 in Chicago.
As the research taking place against this aggressive cancer is unfolding, it is important to recognize that these comprehensive notes are based on subjective information, CSU case experience and professional opinion.

Thanks to the kind assistance of Dr. Douglas Thamm, Assistant Scientist, University of Wisconsin Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, we are very pleased to be able to share with you a summary of the most current research taking place in the battle against VAS.
Dr. Thamm was kind enough to take the time out of his busy schedule to summarize his organizations efforts towards seeking a treatment protocol to successfully treat this aggressive cancer.
Our family would like to extend its most heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Thamm and his distinguished colleagues for their tireless efforts towards offering hope to those family's whose lives have been touched by this terrible disease.

One of the many unknowns in the battle against VAS is just "what" treatment protocol holds the greatest promise towards attempting to battle this aggressive cancer.  
We are pleased to be able to share with you a summary of some of the most current research taking place with regard to this issue.
"Establishment of two vaccine-associated feline sarcoma cell lines 
and determination of in vitro chemosensitivity to doxorubicin and mitoxantrone
" From the American Journal of Veterinary Research. (September 2001 Vol. 62, No. 9)
(Note: This abstract resides on the AVMA's website)

Our family would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to our friends with the "American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine".  With their kind permission and assistance, we are very pleased to be able to share with you the article titled: "Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas" (J Vet Intern Med 2001;15:176-182).
Authored by Dr.'s Margaret C. McEntee and Rodney L. Page, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, this seven page report is truly one of the most comprehensive assessments of the numerous issues relating to VAS.
Special Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the pages of this comprehensive report.
If you do not have this application already installed on your computer, you can use this direct link to Adobe's website where you can download it for free.
getacro.gif (1692 bytes)

The American College of Veterinary Radiology is one of the nations leading veterinary organizations whose dedicated professionals are continuing to lead the research effort that is continuing to take place in the battle against VAS.
One of the most often asked questions in the battle against this aggressive cancer is just "what" treatment protocol holds the most promise for success.
While the answer to this question is still unknown at this time, we're very pleased to be able to share with you an abstract titled:
"Prolonged Remission and Survival Time in Cats With Injection-Site Associated Sarcomas Using Pre-Operative Radiation and Doxorubicin Protocol: 61 Cases (1988-2000)".
This abstract provides and excellent summary of the VAS treatment protocols which are being utilized by the distinguished professionals at "Gulf Coast Veterinary Oncology".
This scientific program was presented at the
ACVR's Annual Conference, August 5-10, 2001, Honolulu Hawaii. 

Thanks to the kind assistance of Dr. Mark W. Dewhirst, DVM, PhD, Professor in Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, we are very pleased to be able to share with you a summary of some of the most current research taking place in the battle against VAS.
While technical as well as preliminary in nature, Dr. Dewhirst and his colleagues are to be commended for their tireless efforts towards making a positive difference in the battle against VAS as well as that of human oncology as well.

The prognosis for treating VAS is most often "guarded", but even more so when this aggressive cancer is located in the interscapular area (or scruff) of the kitty's neck. That is one of the reasons that since 1998, the American Association of Feline Practitioners and numerous other distinguished veterinary organizations have issued guidelines that recommend that this location be avoided for "all" injections.
"
The Use of a Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap for Scapular Reconstruction in a Cat Following Fibrosarcoma Excision" is an excellent abstract of an article that was published in the May/June 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. 
"Prevention" continues to hold the greatest hope in the battle against VAS, but whether focusing on the "prevention" or "treatment" aspect of VAS, empowering oneself with knowledge is truly the "key" to all hope.

While technical in nature, we are pleased to be able to share with you abstracts of two articles recently published in the March 2001 issue of "Veterinary Pathology". 
"Immunohistochemical detection of tumor suppressor gene p53 protein in feline injection site-associated sarcomas  & "Feline vaccine-associated fibrosarcoma: an ultrastructural study of 20 tumors (1996-1999)".
It has always been our belief that "knowledge is empowering", so we present this information in the hope that companion animal lovers and veterinary professionals can work hand in hand towards making the very best decisions in the battle against VAS.

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is one of the nations leading veterinary professional organizations whose members are diligently carrying forth the battle against VAS.
The ACVIM  conducted their 19th Annual Forum on May 23-26th, 2001 in Denver, Colorado.
We're pleased to be able to share with you the abstracts of these two seminars, which while technical in nature, detail the VAS research efforts being conducted by the distinguished professionals at Colorado State University, Department of Radiological Health Sciences.
Characterization of Genetic Alterations in Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma 
Using Whole Chromosome Painting Probes
& Characterization of Chromosomal Aberrations in Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma Using Comparative Genomic Hybridization.

We are very pleased to be able to share with you a comprehensive summary of an article that was published in the February 15, 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Treatment with a Combination of Doxorubicin, Surgery,
and Radiation versus Surgery and Radiation Alone for Cats with
Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas: 25 Cases (1995-2000)
.
We'd like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Victoria S. Bregazzi, DVM, MS, DACVIM., University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Without the kind support of such wonderful professionals as Dr. Bregazzi, our family truly would be lost in our continuing efforts towards making a positive difference in the lives of animal lovers around the world.

The battle against VAS is truly taking place on a worldwide basis
Dr. Beverly Kidney and her distinguished colleagues in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Canada are conducting VAS research funded in part by the "Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force".
Our family would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Kidney for taking the time out of her busy schedule to share an abstract of her organizations research efforts titled:
"Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcomas: Investigation of Potential Viral Etiologies" which she presented to the American College of Veterinary Pathology in the fall of 2000.

The University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the distinguished organizations leading the battle against VAS.  
Dr. Kanjila Sagarika and her talented colleagues are conducting VAS research which in part is being funded by the "Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force".
While this update from late 2000 resides on "VirtualVet.com", Dr.  Kanjila has kindly offered to share a more current summary of their organizations research efforts with our dear girl's "effort of education".


"The Treatment of Feline Fibrosarcoma with Lipopolysaccharide and Cyclophosphamide".  We've included a link to this case report which was first published on November 15th, 2000. 
This case report is presented on "Vet Online" the first and leading independent, peer-reviewed, free veterinary journal available on the internet, a section of "Priory Lodge Education".
Edited by: Stephen J Baines
MA VetMB CertVR CertSAS MRCVS,
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University Of Cambridge, UK

With the kind assistance of and permission from Dr. David Ruslander, Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences, Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine, we are pleased to be able to share with you the abstract: "Preoperative and Postoperative Radiation Therapy for Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in 28 Cats".  Dr. Ruslander presented this summary of his organizations VAS research at the "Veterinary Cancer Society's" 20th Annual Conference which was held October 12-18th, 2000 in Pacific Grove, California.
Our family is grateful for not only the tireless effort that such wonderful professionals as Dr. Ruslander and his talented colleagues are putting forth in the battle against VAS, but also for their continued kind assistance in helping us to carry forth our dear girl's inspired "effort of education".

The Animal Medical Center of New York, N.Y. is one of the nations premier veterinary specialty treatment centers.  Funded by the VAFSTF, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus and her talented staff of professionals are currently conducting a study titled: "Comparison of Tumor Response to Radiation Therapy Alone with Radiotherapy Plus an Adjuvant Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier Radiotherapy Sensitizer, and Follow-up Assessment After Surgery and Chemotherapy". 
Our family would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Hohenhaus for taking the time to share this summary of their organizations research with us. 
Special Note:
This preliminary summary was composed for inclusion in a "White Paper" that the VAFSTF that has since been published.

Thanks to the kind assistance of Dr. Charles Kuntz, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, we are pleased to be able to share with you the abstract titled: "Modified Wide Local Excision For Vaccine Associated Soft Tissue Sarcomas In Cats", published in the September/October issue of "Veterinary Surgery", the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dr. Kuntz also participated in a Panel discussion concerning the treatment of VAS at the year 2000 ACVS Symposium which took place September 21st-24th.
acvrsm00.gif (6758 bytes)
The American College of Veterinary Radiology's 2000 Annual Conference was held November 28th - December 2nd in Chicago Illinois.  The ACVR's scientific program included the two following presentations which we are pleased to be able to share abstracts of with you.
*PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF POST-SURGICAL IRIDIUM-192 BRACHYTHERAPY FOR VACCINE-ASSOCIATED SARCOMAS IN 18 CATS
*THE UTILITY OF CONTRAST ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN FELINE VACCINE ASSOCIATED SARCOMAS: 35 CASES
aahaLogo.gif (3780 bytes)
Our family would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to our friends at the American Animal Hospital Association for their kind permission and assistance in making it possible for us to share with you the article titled: "Combined Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy for Nonresectable Feline Fibrosarcoma".   This comprehensive article was published in the September/October 2000 issue of their organization's professional journal. 
Please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat to read these PDF files.  If you don't have this application installed on your computer, we've included a direct link to Adobe's website where you can download this application for free.
pubcycle.gif (27474 bytes)
North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the nations most respected   veterinary teaching hospitals.   Dr. Donald E. Thrall, DVM, PhD, Professor of Radiology at N.C. State is one of the talented professionals within their organization who is helping to conduct the research efforts that will hopefully lead to a successful treatment for VAS. 
Dr. Thrall has
kindly taken the time out of his busy schedule to share with us a summary of the new "gene therapy" research program which their organization has undertaken in their efforts to develop an effective VAS treatment protocol.
Our family would like to once again extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Thrall and the other distinguished professionals at N.C. State for their continued support of our family's "effort of education".
acvrsm00.gif (6758 bytes)

The American College of Veterinary Radiology is one of the many distinguished professional organizations whose members are dedicating much effort towards researching VAS.  This past December, the ACVR held it's Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago Illinois.  Part of the ACVR's meeting included a presentation titled: "HYPERTHERMIA EFFECT ON UPTAKE OF TECHNETIUM-99M LABELED LIPOSOMES IN FELINE SARCOMAS"Hyperthermia is one method used in both humans and animals for multi modality treatment of cancer because of its ability to sensitize tumor cells to radiation.  While technical in nature, our everlasting belief is that "knowledge is empowering", and we encourage any family that is unfortunately having to battle VAS to discuss this information with their veterinarian.

dukesmall.jpg (10283 bytes)
Thanks to the kind assistance of Dr. David Needham, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University, we are pleased to be able to share two excellent articles relating to Hyperthermia and VAS in felines.
The first link will take you to an updated full text article of the ACVR abstract referenced above. This updated article was published in the September 2000 edition of "Clinical Cancer Research".
The second link will take you to an comprehensive article published by the Duke University News Service. This article details not only their organizations research efforts with regard to hyperthermia, but is an excellent summary of the scientific theory and practice of this procedure.

pubcycle.gif (27474 bytes)
Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful professional friends at North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine  for their continued  kind assistance towards helping us to carry forth our dear girl's inspired "effort of education". 
With kind permission from Dr. Tetsuya Kobayashi and his colleagues, we are pleased to be able to share with you "A Retrospective Analysis of 188 Cats Evaluated For Feline Vaccine Site Sarcomas From 1985 To 1998 (preliminary results)".
Knowledge is truly empowering, and thanks to the support of Dr. Kobayashi and his wonderful organization, there truly is hope in the battle against this terrible disease.   While this summary of their organization's VAS research is "preliminary", Dr. Kobayashi has kindly promised to share with us the final analysis of their research efforts once this information becomes available.
CVMTitle2.gif (5161 bytes)
Thanks to Dr. Barbara Kitchell and her talented team of professionals at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, we are pleased to be able to share with you a retrospective study of their organizations clinical experiences in treating VAS.  Dr. Kitchell is a distinguished member of the "Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force".   Dr. Kitchell's organization is one of the nations leading veterinary colleges which is spearheading the battle against VAS.  Our family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Kitchell and her colleagues for lending us their kind assistance towards helping us to carry forth our dear girls inspired "effort of education".
wbsaundersarticle.gif (11522 bytes)
With kind permission from Dr. Philip Bergman, a longtime supporter of our family's "effort of education" we are pleased to share with you "Recent Advances in the Treatment of Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcomas".   Dr. Bergman's guest editorial was published in the May 2000 issue of "Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery".  Our family would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the wonderful professionals at the publishing firm of "W.B. Saunders".  It was only with their kind permission and assistance that we are now able to share this informative article with you.
acvimlogo2000.gif (4761 bytes)
We are pleased to be able to share with you the presentation titled "Feline Vaccine: Responsibility, Science and Ethics".
Presented at the ACVIM's 2000 annual meeting, this symposiums distinguished participants included:

Richard B. Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM : Moderator
Dennis W. Macy, DVM, MS DACVIM
Lawrence D. McGill, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Philip J. Bergman, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM

This comprehensive presentation included such topics as "History and Prognosis", "Chronic Inflammation", "Risk and Treatment" as well as numerous other topics relating to the issue of feline vaccinations and injection site sarcomas.

neblogos00.jpg (10708 bytes)
Our family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to our friends at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for giving us permission to share with you an abstract titled "Surgical Treatment of Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcomas" which was presented at the 19th Annual Veterinary Cancer Society Conference.  This professional conference, which was held during November 13-16, 1999 in Woods Hole Massachusetts also included several other presentations relating to VAS.  Our family has been in continued correspondence with our friends at the Veterinary Cancer Society in the hope of being able to present even more timely and accurate information concerning the research taking place in the battle against VAS.
javma00.jpg (11955 bytes)


We are pleased to be able to share with you the abstract of an article which was published in the January 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
"Prognosis for presumed feline vaccine-associated sarcoma after excision: 61 cases (1986-1996)".
lyon.JPG (25723 bytes)
Evaluation of a recombinant rabies vaccine local postvaccinal reactions
Presented at the
JOINT CONGRESS

24th WORLD CONGRESS WSAVA
26th WVA WORLD CONGRESS
5th FECAVA CONGRESS
LYON-FRANCE SEPTEMBER 22-29,1999

This study evaluated the injection site reactions of five nonadjuvanted feline vaccine combination products, four of which contained the new canarypox rabies vector fraction in a rodent model that has previously been shown to mimic the local inflammatory response in cats.

vpnlogo.JPG (11965 bytes)



Thanks to the kind support and permission from our friends at "Fancy Publications", publishers of "Veterinary Product News" (as well as numerous companion animal publications such as Cat and Dog Fancy magazines), we are pleased to be able to share with you an article by Dr. Alice Villalobos, Director of the VCA Coast Animal Hospital and Cancer Center, Hermosa Beach and Woodland Hills CA.  Dr. Villalobos is a distinguished veterinary specialist who was recently awarded the 1999 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award.  In her article titled "A Multi-Modality Approach to VAS", Dr. Villalobos discusses her organizations extensive experience in treating VAS which she presented at the Veterinary Cancer Society's Mini-VAS symposium held in Bodega Bay CA this past February.           

TUFTSLOGO.GIF (4931 bytes)





Thanks to the continued kind assistance of Dr. David Ruslander, Tufts University, College of Veterinary Medicine, we are pleased to share with you a summary of the treatment protocols being used by their organization to battle vaccine associated feline sarcomas.   "Knowledge Is Empowering", and thanks to the support of such respected professionals as Dr.Ruslander, we are able to continue carrying forth our dear girls heartfelt "Effort of Education".

vcslogotb1.gif (3167 bytes)





We are VERY pleased to be able to share with you the 1999 VCS Mini-Conference Proceedings which focused on the topic of Feline Vaccine-Associated Fibrosarcomas.  Our family wants to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to our friends at the Veterinary Cancer Society for sharing this unprecedented information with us.  Thanks to the Veterinary Cancer Society, we are able to share with you 8 new articles authored by some of the nations leading veterinary professionals who are leading the battle against VAS.


The Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force (VAFSTF) met on April 5, 1999 at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) headquarters. At this important meeting, the VAFSTF reported on such issues as new research grants, current status of funded studies as well as to prepare concise guidelines to assist practitioners in diagnosing and managing vaccine-associated sarcomas.







The University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine is currently engaged in a study concerning the pathogenesis of Vaccine Associated Sarcomas. Thanks to the kind assistance of Dr. Carrie A. Wood, DVM, ACVIM (oncology), Asst. Clinical Specialist, we are pleased to be able to share with you a current summary of their organizations research study.   Knowledge truly is empowering, and thanks to such wonderful veterinary organizations as the University of Minnesota, our family is able to continue carrying on our dear girls heartfelt "effort of education".





We are pleased to be able to share with you a few excerpts from an article in the February 1999 issue of "CATNIP", a publication of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. These excerpts deal with "Treatment Options", "Quality of Life" and "Ongoing Research" relating to VAS. To obtain a copy of this issue of "CATNIP", or to subscribe to this excellent publication, please contact:
Subscription Services                   
P.O. Box 420235
Palm Coast, Florida 32142
(800) 829-0926







On July 25, 1998, a symposium on vaccine site sarcomas in cats was held during the 135th Annual meeting of the AVMA in Baltimore Md. During this Symposium, up to the minute information on these tumors was presented by some of the leading veterinary researchers from across the country. Topics included "historical review", "pathogenesis", "etiology" and "treatment" of the disease.
Below you will find a direct link to the above mentioned articles. We strongly believe that "knowledge is empowering" and encourage you to read this latest information concerning VAS authored by some of the most respected professionals in the veterinary community.

Historical review and current knowledge of risk factors involved in feline vaccine-associated sarcomas.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998 Nov 15;213(10):1422-3.

Review of treatment options for vaccine-associated feline sarcoma.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998 Nov 15;213(10):1426-7.

Feline vaccine-associated sarcomas: current studies on pathogenesis.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998 Nov 15;213(10):1425-6.

Etiology of feline vaccine-associated sarcomas: history and update.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998 Nov 15;213(10):1424-5.


Summit On Oncology
We are pleased to be able to share with you an excellent article and source of information written by Dr. Alice Villalobos, Director of the VCA Coast Animal Hospital and Cancer Center. Dr. Villalobos updates an article which she composed for the December 1997 issue of "Veterinary Forum Magazine". This article includes the treatment protocols being used by her organization in attempting to battle vaccine-associated sarcomas.



Our family is pleased to be able to share with you an EXCELLENT source of information concerning suggested treatment protocols for vaccine associated sarcomas thanks to the veterinary professionals at "VIN". This new information is a MUST read for any feline lover or veterinarian seeking the latest information concerning what "course" to take in the battle against this dreaded disease.




The "Sleuth at Kremer's Ark has been in contact with Dr Rod Page DVM, MS of the University of North Carolina State Veterinary Teaching Hospital, who has so kindly offered to share with Sylvia's effort the results of their organizations efforts toward treating Post Vaccination Sarcomas. Dr Page requests that any referral calls regarding specific cats be handled through consultation with the veterinarian managing that cat rather than the owner. Their organizations "General Information and Appointment" number is 919-821-9500.







The Sleuth at Kremer's Ark was able to "dig" up the results of this study concerning vaccine induced fibrosarcomas that was published by the "Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California , Davis.

Below you will find several links to information concerning the use of Acemannan as a therapy in attempting to battle vaccine associated sarcomas. The first link is to Carrington Laboratories, a manufacture of Acemannan. The other links include summaries of studies using acemannan to treat vaccine induced sarcomas and references to the veterinary journals which these summaries were based on.

carrington.gif (10578 bytes)



aloelink99.gif (2837 bytes)
Treating Malignant Tumors in Cats and Dogs by Virginia Lawrence Ph.D.

The above article is an execellent summary of the study undertaken at the University of Texas-Houston, Center for Alternative Medicine Research in Cancer. 
utlogo5.gif (4615 bytes)
A link to the scientific summary of the above mentioned study.




Comments, Questions, Suggestions?
Sylviasdad@aol.com

Special Note: All information presented as part of Sylvia's "effort of education" is done so with permission from either the author, organization or under U.S. Copyright "Fair Use" Code : Title 17 > Chapter 1 > Section 107