Innovative veterinary immunotherapy

The vaccine production begins by collecting fresh, frozen, formalin-fixed or paraffin embedded tissue from the dog. The tissue is processed to isolate tumour proteins, which are then treated to expose tumour antigens (TA). These TAs are combined with calcium-based nanoparticles and immune stimulants to create the vaccine, which is subsequently bottled for administration. A typical vaccine course requires approximately 0.2g of tumour tissue for an initial eight-dose regimen. Once sample arrives at the laboratory the vaccine can take 1-3 days to make depending on the sample type.

The typical dosing schedule for CANCV begins with four initial doses given intramuscularly (I.M) weekly for 4 weeks (0.4 mL each dose). Subsequent doses are typically given monthly for a total of 8 dose. Your Oncologist or vet may recommend an alternative schedule based on the type and stage of cancer or to work alongside chemotherapy or radiotherapy protocols.

CANCV has been used in over 950 dogs with various cancers, showing minimal side effects. Mild reactions such as lumps at the injection site, fatigue, temperature and loss of appetite may occur, but no major side effects or anaphylactic reactions have been reported. The vaccine is considered safe for use alongside other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care. Typically, dogs with a history of allergies are more likely to get minor side effects.

CANCV can be used in several scenarios:

Primary Treatment: After tumour removal surgery, CANCV to prevent or slow down tumour regrowth.

Adjuvant to Chemotherapy: It can be used in combination with standard treatments like chemotherapy, enhancing their effectiveness, particularly with single-agent chemotherapy.

Palliative Care: In dogs with advanced cancer, CANCV can sometimes extend survival when used alongside treatments like prednisone.

Debulking Large Tumours: CANCV can assist in stabilizing tumours or slowing their growth after surgery to debulk the mass.

CANCV has shown promising results for various types of canine cancers:

Lymphoma: CANCV combined with chemotherapy (CHOP) or Palliative care (Prednisone) significantly improves median survival in approximately 35-40% cases.

Haemangiosarcoma: Dogs treated with surgery and CANCV +/- DOX have shown significantly improved survival rates, with some living for over two years If cancer detected before it has metastasised. 

Mast Cell Tumours (MCT): The most common cancer treated with CANCV.  Highly effective in stopping the recurrence of low grade MCT’s. Is also effective in slowing the time to recurrence in Intermediate and high grade MCT’s alone or with chemotherapy. Your Oncologist or vet will advise the best approach.

Melanoma: CANCV has shown efficacy in slowing progression, extending survival and delaying/preventing recurrence in dogs with melanoma in 30-40% of cases. 

Osteosarcoma: With standard of care amputation and chemotherapy the median survival time of 11 months with approximately 20% of dogs reaching 2 years. With the addition of CANCV median survival increases to 16 months with 32% exceeding 2-3 years.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma: CANCV has proven effective in preventing recurrence and slowing regrowth after surgery in dogs with low and high-grade tumours.

Carcinomas: CANCV can stabilise cancer, prolong survival, and prevent recurrence, especially when used in combination with chemotherapy, as seen with anal sac and mammary carcinomas.

CANCV has also been used in rare cancers, where it has exceeded expected survival times, though evidence is anecdotal due to small case numbers. Additionally, CANCV has been tested in other animals:

Cats: The vaccine has shown promise in slowing the growth of melanomas, squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma's in a growing number of feline patients.

Horses: The vaccine has been used primarily for melanoma and sarcoid treatment, with evidence suggesting it can prevent recurrence or slow regrowth.

While CANCV has shown significant benefits in many cases, several factors can influence its effectiveness, including the type and stage of cancer, the dog’s age and general health, the quality of the tumour sample, and previous treatments. The vaccine cannot guarantee success in every case, and its effectiveness may vary based on these factors. 

CANCV represents a promising advancement in canine cancer treatment, utilising personalised, autologous vaccination to harness the dog’s immune system against its own cancer. While it has shown positive results in a variety of cancers and species, it is not a universal cure, and each case should be evaluated individually. Nonetheless, it offers new hope for extending survival and improving the quality of life for animals facing cancer, especially when combined with other standard treatments.