2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Although the combination of carboplatin followed by TP was well-tolerated in dogs with appendicular OSA, survival times did not exceed previously published data from dogs treated with amputation followed by chemotherapy. Serum VEGF and MMP-9 levels remained unchanged from baseline despite the continued administration of TP. The results of this study do not support ongoing TP administration post amputation and standard-of care chemotherapy in dogs with appendicular OSA. Oncolytic viruses are viruses whose replication is restricted to tumour cells leading to cytolysis. A growing number of viruses are being developed as oncolytic viruses and various strategies have been utilized to target tumour cells. Our group developed a biotherapeutic that combines two emerging cancer treatment modalities, tumour vaccination and oncolytic viruses. We recently determined that oncolytic viruses expressing tumour antigen transgenes are an excellent means to boost and enhance tumour vaccination. In this preliminary study, cats were first vaccinated with an adenovirus expressing a cancer gene, and then boosted with another virus (Maraba) also expressing this cancer gene. This vaccination protocol should elicit strong immunity to cancer cells, but should not cause any ill effects to the cats. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety (or toxicity) of a genetically altered oncolytic Maraba virus in cats.