2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

To investigate this hypothesis we are currently performing a second phase I/II clinical trial using RNA-loaded CD40-activated B cells. Fifteen dogs will be recruited to this study. Eligibility criteria include a recent diagnosis of NHL, no prior treatment with chemotherapy or steroids, and no evidence of circulating blasts. At the time of diagnosis, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and malignant lymph node tissue are harvested to generate CD40-activated B cells and whole tumor RNA respectively. Dogs then undergo a 19-week CHOP-based chemotherapy protocol. Only dogs in complete clinical remission following induction chemotherapy are eligible to receive the autologous vaccine. Dogs are vaccinated every three weeks for three doses, and then every two months until clinical relapse. Induction and maintenance of antitumor immunity is being determined using an IFN-c ELISpot assay. The primary endpoint of this trial is time to progression, and the secondary endpoints include duration of anti-tumor immunity, overall survival and lymphoma-specific survival.