Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force
| 2000-2001 Approved Studies |
Etiology Studies
- Evaluation of mutagenicity of feline vaccines using AL assay: Year 3.
Little is known about the etiopathogenesis of vaccine-associated sarcomas, but the probability of tumor development seems higher when adjuvanted vaccines have been administered. The investigators hypothesize that adjuvanted vaccines currently in use are inherently mutagenic to mammalian cells as a result of oxidative damage to DNA. In the first year of their research, the investigators used an in vitro assay, called the AL assay, to evaluate the toxicity and mutagenicity of some commonly used feline vaccines. Because adjuvanted vaccines were found to be more toxic and mutagenic than non-adjuvanted vaccines, the researchers continued this line of investigation into a second and third year. They also hypothesize that cats that develop vaccine-associated sarcomas are more susceptible to oxidative damage than are other cats. This hypothesis will be investigated by comparing the anti-oxidant capacity of affected cats with that of unaffected cats.
Principal investigator is E. A. McNiel, DVM, PhD, Colorado State University. Co-investigator is S. M. LaRue.
- Molecular biomarkers of vaccine-associated feline sarcoma: alterations in gene expression during tumor development.
The investigators are studying key molecular changes that occur during the development of vaccine-associated feline sarcomas, with the ultimate goal of improving strategies for disease prevention and management. Initial results indicate that there may be a heritable genetic component that makes some cats more prone to tumor development. In the next phase of study, the researchers analyzed specific breeds of cats in the US that may have this predisposition. The results of this investigation will hopefully enable informed decisions to be made regarding the breeding and care of cats with the susceptibility to developing vaccine-associated sarcomas. In this study, the researchers will investigate the entire set of genes that are differentially expressed during tumor development. A comprehensive understanding of these molecular changes will enhance the ability to prevent and treat the disease.
Principal investigator is S. Kanjilal, PhD, PhD, University of Minnesota. Co-investigators are V. Kapur and J. S. Klausner.
Treatment study
- Phase II evaluation of ifsofamide in cats with spontaneously-occurring soft tissue sarcoma.
Complete surgical removal of sarcomas is extremely difficult since they are poorly defined and spread easily. Even in combination with radiation, the cure rate is low. Ifosfamide is one of the few chemotherapy agents that have proven effective against sarcomas in humans. The investigators will evaluate ifsofamide in cats to determine the activity against feline sarcomas. If successful, this chemotherapy agent could make a major advance in the treatment of sarcomas in cats.
Principal investigator is K. Rassnick, DVM, Cornell University. Co-investigators are R. L. Page and M. C. McEntee.
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