Safety Evaluation of Autologous Tissue Vaccine Cancer Immunotherapy in a Canine Model

Background/Aim: Previous work in rodent models showed that an autologous tissue vaccine is both a safe and effective approach for treating cancer; however, as a translational step, safety must first be evaluated in a more clinically-relevant model. Materials and Methods: An autologous immunotherapy produced from resected tumors, was evaluated in a clinically-relevant canine model to assess safety. Ninety-three dogs with spontaneously occurring tumors received vaccination with inactivated autologous tumor tissue combined with an adjuvant of particulate porcine small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM). Patients were followed to assess the occurrence of adverse events, overall survival, and tumor recurrence and/or metastasis. Results: A small number (12%) of patients experienced limited, mild pyrexia, injection site swelling, or lethargy, all resolving without clinical intervention. Conclusion: Autologous whole cell cancer immunotherapy can be used safely in the canine model of cancer and represents a safe approach for the treatment for cancer.