New treatment for Dogs with Melanoma
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: December 20th, 2018
Chalk up a win for the Animal Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering. These two medical facilities have teamed up with Merial, one of the major companies producing drugs for dogs.
They came up with a winner: a vaccination for dogs that have malignant melanoma, a type of cancer of the skin or mouth.
This is not a vaccine that is used to protect from cancer. The word vaccine is a bit vague, because in common use this is something that is given in order to protect from a disease.
This vaccine is used only after a dog is diagnosed with melanoma.
Melanoma in dogs has different grades (some are more aggressive than others) and different stages (some have spread farther than others).
The usual stats are pretty dismal for the high grade melanomas, especially of the mouth or on the toes. Even with standard conventional care, these have a median survival of 2-4 months at worst, and about 5 months or so at best (remember, not every dog follows these stats).
The nice thing about this melanoma vaccine is that it has been shown to triple survival times. Not too shabby!
The vaccination just got conditional approval by the USDA last May and may be available through an veterinary oncologist near you.
Best to all,
Dr D
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Dr. Dressler,
Raider (11 lbs, 9 years male pomeranian) was diagnosed with Oral Melanoma Sarcoma on fourth premolar n the upper right hard palate. It was 1.5 cm when 1st discover (May 2nd), become 3 cm after all of the testing (aspirates of the lymph nodes, chest X-ray) (within 2 wks). Now the main liason is abt 5 cm and also the outer gum towards the right lip or most likely from the main tumor spread out sideways crossing the molar and in the back of his eye (my vet can not move the eyeball when he is pushing it). There are some discharge on his nose with a tint of blood. My doctor said, that he saw a hole inside the mouth towards the nose, so he’ll expect that the food will started to come out from his nose in a near future. He is in clavamox, tramadol, sucralfate (occassionally), and Apocaps and your diet guideline.
Raider is picky eater, so I blend all his food and put in his mouth with syringe. For the past 2 days, he is fighting the meal time.He run and hide every time he saw syringe. I administered the meds during the mealswith syringe. He hates tramadol and shake his head off everytime I gave him that.
He is still alert, barking, and like to go with us in a car ride. Eat a little meat/cooked chicken liver by hand. Started loosing weight.
(May 25th), when the marker was about 3.5 cm, I took him to a reputable teaching hospital at UC Davis (oral and dental surgery center) and the Drs said Raider is not a good candidate for surgery because it’s larger than 2 cm. “It is not fair for the dog” if we do it anyway, due to possible metastasis (although X ray n aspirates says “clear”.
If we opt for radiation will leave a hole and will be a problem in about 8 months time frame. So, we opt out because I don’t want to make Raider to face bigger problem and suffers twice when the cycle came back just to buy time for myself.
1. At this stage (over 5 cm), is the Melanoma Vaccine alone (no radiation, no chemo, no surgery) can help? — what is the side effect? Big holes?
2. Neoplasene treatment (I read on your blogs)? Why no vet and oncologist mention about it? Was it only available through holistic vet?
I read about neoplasene salve case study on oral melanoma
(see page 80) How is the salve made?3. Antiangiogenic treatment? Where can I find this treatment? Is it also available only through holistic vet only? None of the vets mention this as an option.
If I want to give a shot to my last resources, which treatment (or combine treatment) can slow the growth of the melanoma sarcoma without decreasing the quality of life that he currently have?
God Bless you, Dr Dressler. Your time in replying is greatly blessed. Other readers who has suggestion, please email me nadiwijaya@hotmail.com. Thanks!
Dear Nancy,
the melanoma vaccine does not leave big holes that I have encountered. So that’s an option and there is some emerging evidence that it may benefit without chemo. Neoplasene leaves holes.
Antiangiogenic treatment is a possibility. I included botanicals with these effects in my apoptogen supplement. Could talk to your onc about metronomic chemo.
Best
D
As an addendum to my earlier note today: I have contacted a well regarded cancer specialist and have secured an appointment for tomorrow ( Rebecca Risbon and Bob Orsher [PHILA PA]- he was my vet’s prof in med school). They have on-site MRI, am requesting either that or a CAT scan for baseline diagnostics. My vet has suggested possibly laser surgery – can have better results where location is difficult and excessive bleeding is a consideration. In general research I read that organic cottage cheese and flaxseed oil can be beneficial, also Vitamin A, B Complex, C, and E, and last but not least parsley (the seasoning) which I have growing in my garden. Appreciate any suggestions you can give me for questions to ask the Oncologist… thanks again! Anne Marie
Hello,
My 11 year old female chow was just diagnosed with a mass in her mouth. The mass is mushroom shaped, on a wide stalk located on her middle of the roof of her mouth. She was taken into the OR this morning… the surgeon reported these findings: the mass extends backwards down the throat approx. 8 cm. Her chest X-Rays, Head and Neck films are clear with no disinguished spread of the cancer. Blood work is good with a small increase in white cell count (18,000). Lymph nodes on visual and physical exam are not swollen. Due to the location of the mass my surgeon is not advocating surgery (difficult location prove to bleeding during surgery). I can not sit by and do nothing – want a proactive approach to at least try to help my girl. My dog is very active, strong and healthy (alpha female). Her symptoms have presented as excessive drooling and some diminished appetite. The Merial MCC vaccine looks promising but I don’t know how they can stage the mass (no biopsy)… and if my girl is even a candidate. Looking into options now… think an MRI would be beneficial to determine the extent of the mass invasion in the surrounding area. Would appreciate your thoughts… also looking into holistic options.
Thank you,
Anne Marie
Dr. Dressler,
I just wanted to give you an update on my little Sadie – Good News! She recently had her 1 year check-up and there’s NO evidence of cancer! If you recall, my miniature dachshound was diagnosed with Stage III Oral Melanoma in July 2011 with only 1 month to live. The cancer had severely spread throughout her jaw and cheekbone. The University of Wisconsin Veterinary Hospital removed her jaw, and she had 4 radiation treatments along with the miracle ONCEPT Vaccine. Happily, the melanoma in her mouth and jaw has not returned and appears to be localized. To-date the cancer hasn’t spread to her lungs or any other parts of her body. She is happy once again, full of energy and love, and eats like a little pig! She’s plays with my other two dogs just like she’d never been sick at all!
Have you seen Dr. Bergmans most recently published 2011 clinical study results based on a group of 58 dogs suffering from Stages I – IV Oral Melanoma being treated with the ONCEPT VACCINE? The Medium Survival Times are very impressive. Most importantly, approximately 25% of these dogs are still alive after 3+ years. I continue to pray that my little Sadie will break all the records!
I do have two questions:
#1). Is it okay to feed her a very high protein diet? I’ve been feeding her dog foods which are 55% to 69% protein, and only 1% to 10% carbs. She loves them.
#2). Don’t laugh at my second question! Is it okay for me to feed her 2 hard-boiled eggs every morning? Yes, believe or not, that’s her favorite food. She has a real egg addiction! She relentlessly barks at me each morning until she hears the water boiling!
Thanks,
Maria
Dear Maria,
as long as liver and kidney function are okay, and she tolerates the diet, and you are using it with veterinary supervision, I believe you will be okay.
And as to eggs, sure, with the same caveats as above, and there is no pancreatitis history.
I am very happy to hear this good news!!!!
🙂
Dr D
My dog poppy was put to sleep yesterday, 31/05/11 he was 13. White with brindle, shortcoat staffordshire cross bull terrier. He had Melanoma. I made the choice of putting him to sleep after months of tryin to avoid i., He was n agony n I no longer wanted him to suffer. traumatic experience for the kids n myself but weve lived through it, had happy times with our beloved pop pop, Considered we are going to get another pet to enjoy many years to come, but will not take th place of our boy poppy.. time to write new history with our new dog to be.
Dear Joe,
our thoughts are with you during this hard time.
Best,
Dr D
I ‘d like to ask you, if you know any veterinarian specialised in cancer ,practicing his profession in GREECE. if so please , if you are so kind to send me his contact information.
Best regards
Georgia-(greece)
Dear Georgia,
try for the veterinary school at the Aristotle University.
Best,
Dr D
Our pomeranian was just diagnosed with amelanotic melenoma. It is attached to the eyelid of the left eye. Would the vaccine help his survival rate? The vet is going to try to surgically remove the mass tomorrow. Please let us know, we are really struggling with this diagnosis.
Sincerely,
Cheryl
Dear Cheryl,
The research covering the vaccine was with pigmented melanoma, so we have to guess. The enzyme that the vaccine uses to target is reduced in amelanotic melanoma by about half. This means that the efficacy likely will be less in amelanotic melanoma, but I feel it would still help. Wait for the biopsy though to help with the anticipated behavior and the need for further steps.
I would consult with an oncologist about it (few vets can get it) and don’t forget your other steps, including diet, apoptogens, immune support, brain chemistry modification, and anti metastatic therapies…
Best,
Dr D
Last thurs. had a mass cut out of my lab’s mouth, it came back as melanoma, what is the cost of the vaccine treatment? also does this cure it or just hold it at bay, and in reality are you just buying time? We are in no finicial way to afford bigtime cost treatments, but I must say I have to figure a way, my family is torn apart, we love this guy tremendously and my 10 and 6 year old are taking it really hard as well as me, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
The Fleming Family
Dear Fleming Family,
I am sorry to hear this news. The vaccine cost varies depending on location and you need to do the research locally with an oncologist as there is no set fee I can quote you. It does good though- it is safe and if you look at the group of dogs receiving the vaccine it increases the survival time (as a group) by about three times. It does not cure cancer though.
I might suggest you check out the Guide– it can help you in difficult times-
Best
D
Dr. Dressler,
My little Sadie had her 120 day check-up this week at the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Hospital. She finished her series of Oncept Vaccines and radiation treatments last October 2010. The great news is that so far the melanoma has NOT returned in her mouth/jaw, nor has it spread anywhere else in her body. I’m not losing sight of reality, but to me this has been like an unbelievable miracle considering that my local vet only gave her 1 month to live. I have to take her back to U of W in April for her 6 month Oncept booster shot. I highly recommend this vaccine to any pet-owners with dogs suffering from oral melanoma. There were absolutely no side-effects whatsoever.
I do have an important question for you. Would you recommend that I now start giving her Apocaps to further boost her immune system? As I said, she completed her Oncept Vaccines 4 months ago. Would it be safe and beneficial for me to further supplement her health with Apocaps? If there’s anything else in addition to Apocaps that you’d recommend please tell me.
Thanks,
Maria
Dear Maria
In my practice we would use Apocaps, more for the apoptosis effect than the immune boosting effect. Have you read the Guide? Also consider beta glucans (K-9 Immunity and transfer factor) and some omega-3’s, among other things. The dog cancer diet is a good choice too in my opinion (free download on top of this site page. Remember that all steps should be done under veterinary supervision too…
Best,
Dr D
Thank you so much for your response. Radiographs and blood work is showing positive signs of it not having spread yet, but I am aware of micrometastasis, and am taking these test results with a grain of salt. The excision of the tumor went well – the surgeon was extremely pleased at his ability to remove it. We are going to recheck the surgical site (tongue) in two weeks and then likely start the vaccine since they feel it is his best option. One last question if I may – do you recommend spending money for a CT scan to understand if there has been an undetectable spread? Or do you treat and hope for the best?
Thanks again for all the great information – I’ll definitely pick up a copy of your Guide.
Pat,
I have a 13 year old miniature daschound who was diagnosed with Stage III Oral Melanoma. Her tumor was 3cm in size. My local vet (in Chicago) gave her only 1 month to live. I took her to the University of Wisconsin in Madison WI. It’s one of the best Veterninary Teaching Schools in the country and are very well-known for their Oncology reasearch. She had a full mandibulectomy, and she also had her lower jaw and cheek bone removed (all the wat up to her eye socket), with VERY narrow margins. Believe it or not, two days later she was totally fine, eating like a little pig and playing as if nothing had happened! Visually, you can’t even tell that she’s missing her jaw, mandibul, and cheek bone. I was told by the head of the univerity’s surgical department who did the surgery himself (Dr. McNaulty – the surgery ook 5 hrs.) that a jaw removal on a dog was not at all uncommon, or as scary as it sounded. He compared it to a root canal on a person. He was totally right. After the surgery my dog had 4 precautionary radiation treatments, along with the ONCEPT vaccine. The great news is that it’s been 22 months and the cancer has NOT returned!!! The surgery and ONCEPT vaccine saved her life. I’m so thankful that Dr. McNaulty and Dr. Chun reassured me to go through with the surgery and treatment, even though she had stage III melanoma that had spread into her jaw, mandibal, and cheek bones. I realize that treatment doesn’t always work. However, sometimes it DOES work! Based on the most recent clinic result statistics published Dr. Berger (founder of ONCEPT vaccine), appromimately 50% of all Stage I melanoma dogs and 25% of Stage II and II melanoma dogs are still living 3 years after treatment!!! If you love your dog as much as I love mine, then I highly recommend that you do follow through with the mandibulectomy, radiation, and vaccine. My dog s uffered absolutely NO side affects from anything, the surgery was NOT that big of a deal, and most importantly she is still alive and happy. There was only one negative thing. It took my little doge a couple of weeks to figure out a new way to eat her soft dogfood. For 2 weeks after her surgery I was cleaning up a lot of dogfood off the floor because it was squirty out of the left side of her mouth because she didn’t have a jaw to keep it in her mouth! Good luck and keep me posted.
Maria
I have an St Bernard and today had found out she has melanoma :(….She is my everything, i found out she had the cancer too late doctor said she has maybe 6weeks left which just tore me apart…im trying everything and been searching online for hours and hours for info and i was wondering would your Drug help out my dog ? She has problems breathing and drools everywhere but worst thing is she does not want too eat if so its tortillas.So plz get back too me !
Thanks
Dear Sherry,
I think you are talking about Apocaps? If so, it is a supplement which is designed to increase the turnover of cells so that more normal cells and less deranged cells are in the body. It may help but it is not a cure for cancer. Have you considered an oncologist visit? The melanoma vaccine? There are also other steps and supplements in the Guide that might help too.
I hope this helps a little,
Best,
Dr D