What Are The New Advances In Oncology? - Owen Davies | Veterinary Podcast

Summary

This video podcast features a discussion on advancements in veterinary oncology, focusing on the treatment of feline lymphoma and cancer. The speaker, Dr. Owen, discusses the use of traditional chemotherapy protocols (COP, CHOP, and LOP) for lymphoma and emphasizes the importance of immune system modulation in cancer treatment. They highlight new antibody therapies like Gilvetmb, which can target immune checkpoints to enhance the immune response against cancer cells. The podcast also touches on the evolution of veterinary oncology, shifting from generalized treatments to more targeted and personalized approaches, offering hope for better outcomes in cancer treatment for animals.

Takeaways

• 😀 COP protocol (Cyclophosphamide, Oncovin, Prednisolone) is the standard treatment for lymphoma in cats, with CHOP and LOP protocols used if necessary.
• 😀 Lymphoma treatment can lead to significant improvement, with some cats remaining stable for years after initial treatment.
• 😀 Antibody therapy, such as Gilvetmb, is an exciting development in cancer treatment, with potential to target immune checkpoints to enhance immune response.
• 😀 Immune checkpoint inhibitors work by preventing cancer cells from suppressing the immune system, allowing the body to fight the tumor more effectively.
• 😀 The use of monoclonal antibodies like Gilvetmb can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells that otherwise evade detection.
• 😀 Gilvetmb is conditionally approved in the U.S. for treating melanoma and mast cell tumors in pets.
• 😀 Humanized antibodies have been used in human medicine for years, but their application in veterinary care is still emerging, with promising results.
• 😀 Cancer treatment has evolved from generalized approaches like steroids to more targeted therapies that focus on the immune system.
• 😀 The immune system's role in cancer treatment is critical; modulating immune checkpoints is key to achieving effective results.
• 😀 The future of veterinary oncology looks promising with more personalized treatments that offer less collateral damage to healthy tissues.

Q & A

What is the initial treatment approach mentioned for lymphoma in cats?

The speaker initially uses the traditional COP (Cyclophosphamide, Oncovin, and Prednisolone) protocol for lymphoma treatment. This protocol has been the standard due to its proven effectiveness.

What does the speaker do if the traditional COP protocol isn't successful?

If the COP protocol isn't effective, the speaker may switch to the CHOP protocol, which is a more intensive chemotherapy regimen, or they may add lusine to reduce costs, leading to a LOP protocol.

What is the rationale behind using more agents in lymphoma treatment?

Using more agents in lymphoma treatment increases the likelihood of achieving complete remission by targeting cancer cells through multiple mechanisms, improving the chances of success.

What is the significance of antibody therapy in cancer treatment?

Antibody therapy, particularly monoclonal antibodies, plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This treatment is more targeted compared to traditional chemotherapy and can help avoid collateral damage to healthy cells.

How does immune checkpoint therapy work in cancer treatment?

Immune checkpoint therapy works by preventing cancer cells from turning off the immune system’s response. By targeting immune checkpoints, drugs like GilvetmB allow the immune system to continue fighting cancer cells rather than being suppressed by the tumor.

What is the role of GilvetmB in cancer therapy, and what stage of approval is it at?

GilvetmB is a humanized monoclonal antibody aimed at blocking immune checkpoint receptors on T-cells. It currently has a conditional license from the USDA for the treatment of melanoma and mast cell tumors in animals.

Why is immune modulation important in cancer treatment?

Immune modulation is important because it helps the immune system recognize and target cancer cells, which can otherwise evade detection. This targeted immune response minimizes damage to healthy tissue while maximizing the cancer-fighting potential.

What challenges does the speaker mention regarding antibody therapy in the UK?

The speaker notes that antibody therapy is difficult to access in the UK due to the limitations of the Cascade system, which regulates the approval and availability of veterinary medicines.

How has veterinary oncology evolved over the last 20-30 years?

Veterinary oncology has seen significant advancements, particularly with the introduction of more targeted and personalized treatments. These developments contrast with earlier approaches like using prednisone, which affected both the cancer and healthy cells.

What is the significance of immune checkpoints in the immune system’s ability to fight cancer?

Immune checkpoints are crucial because they regulate the immune system's response to cancer. Cancer cells often exploit these checkpoints to suppress immune activity, which is why targeting these checkpoints can help activate the immune response and improve cancer treatment outcomes.