DNA vaccine therapy for melanoma in pets
By Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM
Q: Can you tell me more about DNA vaccine therapy for digit melanoma?
A: The new DNA vaccine for melanoma in pets is made from human tyrosinase enzyme. It is only available through a licensed veterinary oncologist, so your veterinarian would not be able to administer it. The best advice I can give is to have your doctor refer you to a local cancer specialist and discuss if your pet is a candidate for the vaccine. I believe each injection of the vaccine costs between $300 and $500, and several are needed in addition to traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The encouraging news is that the vaccine appears to give pets a longer life expectancy following diagnosis, in some cases doubling the life expectancy of the dog with melanoma.
Reviewed by Amy I. Attas, V.M.D.
|
All content on WebVet is reviewed annually by Vets to guarantee its timeliness and accuracy. |
Article last reviewed - 12/28/2009
Comments
Disclaimer: If you believe your pet is suffering from a health-related problem or if symptoms are recurring, please contact your veterinarian immediately. The comments and other content in this portion of the WebVet Site are submitted by WebVet Site users and visitors and are not generated, edited or reviewed by WebVet. WebVet disclaims all responsibility and liability for this content. Please refer to the Terms of Service, Posting and Submission of Material by Users, for the terms and conditions applicable to user generated content.
