Caninecancer.org.au

Hi,have heard about a cancer treatment that is being testes in philadelphia.
Its some sort of mixture of t cells,and the hiv virus.its been tested on several
People with some good results.
I have also heard that similar tests have been conducted on mice,with similar results.
Does anyone know anything about these trials?

HIV is a retrovirus, and this group of viruses is equipped to insert genes into your DNA. It is therefore hoped that the virus' ability to do this can be harnessed and 'good' genes inserted. Cancers often develop with missing genes (that limit cell growth) and replacing these could therefore impair the cancer. The process is complex - each person or dog's cancer is unique and most have dozens of genetic mutations, but there is hope that techniques like this will make a difference. Mouse studies are a helpful starting point - always remember though that lab mice are not 'normal' - they are highly inbred with specific alterations that mean many studies fail to show success once the tests move on to dogs or people. But, once more people have received it and we have an idea of both benefit and risk, we can start to get a little more optimistic. Still very early days at the moment. Exciting though!

_________________
_______________
Dr Ken Wyatt BSc BVMS FANZCVS
Specialist Veterinary Oncologist
Perth Veterinary Oncology

Thank you Dr Ken,
For your reply.i know all of this stuff is still
In its early stages,but anything that can give
Cancer a damn good hiding is worth investigating.
Any news about any other treatments that are
Showing margins of success?

The one thing I am most excited about at the moment is the development of the first monoclonal antibody treatment for dogs (none yet for cats, sorry). With this technique, they build an antibody against a protein on the surface of the cancer cell. In this case, it is targetting B lymphocytes which cause the most common form of lymphoma (diffuse large B cell lymphoma). The antibody is currently undergoing trials in the US so probably a frustrating year or more before we get a real understanding of any benefit and risk. Fingers crossed!

_________________
_______________
Dr Ken Wyatt BSc BVMS FANZCVS
Specialist Veterinary Oncologist
Perth Veterinary Oncology