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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Testing Cancer Immunotherapeutics in a Humanized Mouse Model Bearing Human Tumors
Published on: December 16, 2022
Recent clinical trials of cancer immunogene therapy in companion animals
Liliana M E Finocchiaro1, Gerardo C Glikin1
1Liliana M E Finocchiaro, Gerardo C Glikin, Unidad de Transferencia Genética, Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo", Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1417 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
This mini-review presents the results of veterinary clinical trials on immunogene therapy published from 2014 to 2016. A variety of tumors, among them melanoma (canine and equine), mastocytoma (canine), mammary adenocarcinoma (canine) and fibrosarcoma (feline) were treated by using diverse strategies. Non-viral vectors were usually employed to transfer genes of cytokines, suicide enzymes and/or tumor associated antigens. In general terms, minor or no adverse collateral effects were related to these procedures, and treated patients frequently improved their conditions (better quality of life, delayed or suppressed recurrence or metastatic spread, increased survival). Some of these new methodologies have a promising future if applied as adjuvant treatments of standard approaches. The auspicious results, derived from immunogene therapy studies carried out in companion animals, warrant their imperative usage in veterinary clinical oncology. Besides, they provide a strong preclinical basis (safety assays and proofs of concept) for analogous human clinical trials.
Insights
Veterinary immunogene therapy using non-viral vectors showed promising results for various animal cancers. This approach improved patient quality of life and survival with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Immunogene therapy is an emerging field in veterinary oncology.
- Recent advancements have focused on non-viral vector delivery systems.
- Clinical trials have explored its efficacy across various animal tumor types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review veterinary clinical trials on immunogene therapy from 2014-2016.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of different immunogene therapy strategies in companion animals.
- To assess the potential of immunogene therapy as an adjuvant treatment in veterinary oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of published veterinary clinical trials (2014-2016).
- Analysis of immunogene therapy strategies including gene transfer of cytokines, suicide enzymes, and tumor-associated antigens.
- Use of non-viral vectors for gene delivery.
- Assessment of treatment outcomes, including adverse effects, recurrence, metastasis, and survival rates.
Main Results:
- Successful treatment of canine melanoma, mastocytoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, and feline fibrosarcoma.
- Non-viral vectors were commonly used for gene delivery.
- Treatments generally exhibited minor or no adverse effects.
- Significant improvements observed in patient quality of life, delayed recurrence, suppressed metastasis, and increased survival.
Conclusions:
- Immunogene therapy demonstrates significant promise in veterinary clinical oncology.
- The approach is safe and effective, particularly as an adjuvant to standard treatments.
- Results provide a strong preclinical basis for human clinical trials.
