Has anyone used Oncept melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs?

RE: Has anyone used Oncept melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs?

Anthony Dennison — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:41:04 GMT

[quote userid="4897" url="~/001/veterinary-clinical/small-animal/oncology/f/discussions/30606/has-anyone-used-oncept-melanoma-dna-vaccine-for-dogs/241117#241117"]I use it. I'm a believer.[/quote]

Very interesting to hear this! I watched a webinar recently that discussed this, and the speaker seemed to be quite negative about it due to the studies etc (or lack of) that wasn't backing the original claims up.

I respect your opinion highly Gerry so I would take your word over what I have heard. Thanks!

RE: Has anyone used Oncept melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs?

Beats — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 10:20:49 GMT

This owner is persistent.

I got a vet jet and nozzle in the end and gave the first dose in that fashion..

B-I have no more nozzles however, and advise probably 2 months before they have more.

Does anyone have 3 nozzles that they will not need in the next 2 months and would be willing to swap for something they do want?

RE: Has anyone used Oncept melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs?

Beats — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:02:03 GMT

Thanks, Gerry - perfect information! I think we'll give it a miss on that basis.

There is apparently a problem getting VetJet's presently - I can't quite figure out if this is a temporary manufacturing issue, a lack of ability to import them to EU or they are just not made any more. There are a number of other jet injectors that may be available, but with the exception of use in pigs, they seem to have waned substantially in popularity from their peak, with WHO no longer recommending them for mass vaccination campaigns.

I've read up and watched videos on these jet injectors since originally posting and what a fascinating topic I knew nothing about!

RE: Has anyone used Oncept melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs?

Gerry Polton — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:32:16 GMT

The method of administration really matters. The applicator is a device called a gene gun. It propels DNA through the skin using air pressure. I can't remember the number with certainty but the increase in expression of the DNA by skeletal muscle cells is approximately 800 times greater using this method as opposed to an intramuscular injection. (For the futurists among you, electrogenetherapy makes it even more!! watch this space...) With the variable results discussed above, merely giving it by a conventional injection would be a total waste of time. The device you need is called a VetJet. You can purchase nozzles in groups of five for dogs over and under 16kg. The device cost me about £200 when I bought it years ago. You do need it.

RE: Has anyone used Oncept melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs?

Beats — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:07:04 GMT

Thanks!

Any assistance on how best to administer it in the absence of VetJet applicator / nozzles etc?

The situation is that the owner would like it, I do not think this is a totally unreasonable request in the specific circumstances of the case, I can get the vials with a SIC but not the applicator.

There are no local specialists.

No further surgical intervention would be considered.

I have advised that it quite possibly will do nothing beneficial at all, indeed in the specific case I would go as far as saying it will probably do nothing beneficial (there are some small nodules in lungs that are likely metastatic spread), but it is not a total quack remedy and the science is reasonable even if the published results are perhaps not encouraging.

Given that it is likely to do nothing, then I guess how it is administered may not be important, but I would like to make a best rational go of it while minimising potential for harm - any advice much appreciated!

RE: Has anyone used Oncept melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs?

Gerry Polton — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:56:59 GMT

I use it. I'm a believer. The reason, in my opinion, that there is such a massive difference between favourable publications and those that have followed centres on the term 'optimally-controlled' in the license. The product is licensed for treatment of optimally-controlled stage 2 and stage 3 oral melanoma in dogs. If you use it in cases that have macroscopic disease, or even a significant burden of microscopic disease, it is going to have little or no impact. if you use it in cases with only minimal residual disease, it can be like magic. if you think about it, our immune systems are not set up to tackle appreciable volumes of abnormal tissue. We are set up for viruses and isolated naughty cells. Tolerance occurs purely because of the total volume of tissue that identifies in that particular way (cue words like epitope and antigen). Cancer occurs, sadly, because the system works. The idea that some xenogeneic DNA could reverse a constantly reinforced tolerising signal from a tumour that is more than picograms in amount is fantasy. But, maximally reduce that cancer burden and... let the show begin :)

I am absolutely 100% happy to recognise that there are other interpretations for the data.

Gerry

RE: Oncept Melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs - use without the "applicator"

Sarah Keir — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:35:30 GMT

Oncept is only available through Specialists, so the person who sorted the supply of this drug should tell you how to administer it.

You are correct that the original published evidence was very positive but no other research or study since has been able to replicate its amazing results. I understand that most oncologists only use it now if the client wants to do minimal intervention.

RE: Oncept Melanoma DNA vaccine for dogs - use without the "applicator"

Beats — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:38:14 GMT

OK. So I've read a bit more and it seems to be that "transdermal" means into the skin? So an insulin syringe and inject it intradermally - spread out or all in one spot - then?

I'm still a bit confused as to best use?

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/withdrawal-report/withdrawal-assessment-report-oncept-melanoma_en.pdf

https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3339&context=utk_graddiss