Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting advances in veterinary oncology, harnessing the body's own immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. Unlike traditional treatments that directly target the tumour, immunotherapy helps the immune system identify cancer cells that would otherwise evade detection, providing another powerful tool in the fight against cancer.

A number of immunotherapy options are available for cancers in dogs and cats:

CANCV-4® is designed to stimulate a broad anti-cancer immune response. This treatment aims to activate the patient's immune system against cancer cells through multiple immune pathways and can be considered for patients as part of an individualised treatment plan. So far, we have successfully treated patients with lymphoma, osteosarcoma (with or without amputation), melanoma, mast cell tumour, and various soft tissue sarcomas and carcinomas. Injections are similar to annual booster vaccinations and are hence very straightforward with short appointment times - this can be facilitated by the GP vet keeping travel times in check:

• contact us via the contact form

• Receive an email with details (we need a tumour tissue sample - formalin fixed or paraffin block can be used)

• Vaccine development within 5 business days

• Receive the finished product within 10 business days

Oncept® Melanoma Vaccine has been used internationally for many years as an adjunctive treatment for dogs with oral and digital melanoma - cats have also been treated. Following surgery to remove the primary tumour, the vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune system to target any remaining microscopic melanoma cells, helping to delay or reduce disease recurrence in appropriate patients:

• contact us via the contact form

• Receive an email with details (a special applicator is needed to inject the treatment)

Most immunotherapy vaccines are administered as a series of simple injections beneath the skin/ into the muscle. Treatment schedules vary depending on the vaccine used but are generally very well tolerated, with minimal side effects such as discomfort at the injection site, lethargy, transient fever, and without the intensive blood monitoring required for chemotherapy or some targeted therapies.

Immunotherapy can be used as sole treatment or more commonly as multimodal approach with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted therapies. It can form an important part of a comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan designed to give each pet the best possible outcome.