Safety Evaluation of Autologous Tissue Vaccine Cancer Immunotherapy in a Canine Model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Previous work in rodent models showed that an autologous tissue vaccine is both a safe and effective approach for treating cancer; however, as a translational step, safety must first be evaluated in a more clinically-relevant model.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An autologous immunotherapy produced from resected tumors, was evaluated in a clinically-relevant canine model to assess safety. Ninety-three dogs with spontaneously occurring tumors received vaccination with inactivated autologous tumor tissue combined with an adjuvant of particulate porcine small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM). Patients were followed to assess the occurrence of adverse events, overall survival, and tumor recurrence and/or metastasis.

RESULTS

A small number (12%) of patients experienced limited, mild pyrexia, injection site swelling, or lethargy, all resolving without clinical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Autologous whole cell cancer immunotherapy can be used safely in the canine model of cancer and represents a safe approach for the treatment for cancer.