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Beirão BCB, Taraciuk AC, Trentin C, Ingberman M, Caron LF, McKenzie C, Stimson WH. Recombinant human interferon-α14 for the treatment of canine allergic pruritic disease in eight dogs. Vet Rec Open 2021; 8:e6. [PMID: 33981440 PMCID: PMC8109859 DOI: 10.1002/vro2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic pruritic diseases are increasingly common in dogs. This group of conditions hampers life quality as pruritus progressively interferes with normal behaviours. Therefore, new treatment modalities for canine allergic pruritic diseases are necessary. While novel drugs have recently reached the market, there is still the need for other therapeutic approaches. Some dogs are refractory even to the newer compounds, and cost is also an important issue for these. Older therapeutic modalities are only moderately successful or have considerable secondary effects, as is the case with glucocorticoids. OBJECTIVES Report on the use of recombinant human interferon-α14 (rhIFN-α14) for the treatment of canine allergic pruritus. Following the experience with a similar compound in the Japanese market, it was expected that rhIFN-α14 could alter the Th1/Th2 disbalance that drives these diseases. METHODS Here, we present an uncontrolled trial in which eight dogs with clinical diagnosis of allergic pruritus were treated with rhIFN-α14, either orally or via subcutaneous injections. Skin condition, microbiota and anti-interferon antibody levels were assessed. RESULTS The parenteral use of interferon induced hypersensitivity in two of the three dogs in which it was used. The oral administration was consistently safe and could reduce signs of the allergic condition in three of the five treated animals. Treatment also altered the skin microbiota, as verified by next-generation sequencing. CONCLUSION The present results indicate that rhIFN-α14 is a viable candidate for the treatment of canine allergic pruritus. Future controlled studies are needed, and the oral route is indicated for further trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno C. B. Beirão
- Imunova Análises Biológicas LTDACuritibaBrazil
- Departamento de Patologia BásicaUniversidade Federal do ParanáCuritibaBrazil
| | - Aline C. Taraciuk
- Departamento de Patologia BásicaUniversidade Federal do ParanáCuritibaBrazil
| | - Carolina Trentin
- Veterinary Consultant, Avenida Nossa Senhora de Lourdes,63CuritibaBrazil
| | | | - Luiz F. Caron
- Departamento de Patologia BásicaUniversidade Federal do ParanáCuritibaBrazil
| | | | - William H. Stimson
- ILC Therapeutics Ltd. BiocityScotlandLanarkshireUK
- Immunology DepartmentStrathclyde UniversityGlasgowScotlandUK
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Interferon therapies in small animals. Vet J 2021; 271:105648. [PMID: 33840487 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2021.105648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that play an important role in the immune response of animals and humans. A number of studies reviewed here have evaluated the use of human, canine and feline IFNs as treatments for infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic disease in dogs and cats. Recombinant canine IFN-γ is deemed an efficacious therapy for canine atopic dermatitis. Recombinant feline IFN-ω is effective against canine parvoviral enteritis and has also been recommended for canine atopic dermatitis. Based on limited evidence, recombinant canine IFN-α could be a topical treatment option for dogs with gingivitis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Conclusive evidence is lacking for other diseases and large randomised controlled trials are needed before IFNs can be recommended for other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashpal Singh Malik
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Raj Kumar Singh
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Mahendra Pal Yadav
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, India
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Fiorito F, Cantiello A, Granato GE, Navas L, Diffidenti C, De Martino L, Maharajan V, Olivieri F, Pagnini U, Iovane G. Clinical improvement in feline herpesvirus 1 infected cats by oral low dose of interleukin-12 plus interferon-gamma. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 48:41-7. [PMID: 27638118 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) is a widespread cat pathogen inducing rhinitis, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. To alleviate acute FHV-1-induced disease, antiviral agents are used often with antibiotics. But sometimes, these treatments, as well as conventional doses of cytokines have moderate efficacy and/or collateral effects. Herein we have investigated the effects of low dose interleukin (IL)-12 plus interferon (IFN)-gamma, prepared by Sequential Kinetic Activated (SKA), on the treatment of FHV-1 infection. Twenty-five, unvaccinated FHV-1-positive cats were recruited into a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Fifteen cats were treated for 6 months with oral low doses of SKA IL-12 plus IFN-gamma and 10 cats were treated with placebo. At 1, 6 and 12 months (follow-up) after the beginning of treatment, clinical assessment, PCR assay and blood count were carried out. At follow-up, in treated group, we observed significant (p<0.05) improvements in clinical signs and PCR became negative in 12/15 cats (80%). In placebo, 10/10 cats were PCR-positive, with improvements (30%) or worsening (70%) in clinical signs. Blood values were normal in both groups. Our results show that the low dose therapy, based on activated solutions of IL-12 plus IFN-gamma, represents a novel approach to treat FHV-1 infection in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Fiorito
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonietta Cantiello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elvira Granato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Navas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luisa De Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | - Ugo Pagnini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Iovane
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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5
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Thomasy SM, Maggs DJ. A review of antiviral drugs and other compounds with activity against feline herpesvirus type 1. Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 19 Suppl 1:119-30. [PMID: 27091747 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a common and important cause of ocular surface disease, dermatitis, respiratory disease, and potentially intraocular disease in cats. Many antiviral drugs developed for the treatment of humans infected with herpesviruses have been used to treat cats infected with FHV-1. Translational use of drugs in this manner ideally requires methodical investigation of their in vitro efficacy against FHV-1 followed by pharmacokinetic and safety trials in normal cats. Subsequently, placebo-controlled efficacy studies in experimentally inoculated animals should be performed followed, finally, by carefully designed and monitored clinical trials in client-owned animals. This review is intended to provide a concise overview of the available literature regarding the efficacy of antiviral drugs and other compounds with proven or putative activity against FHV-1, as well as a discussion of their safety in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - David J Maggs
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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6
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Ballin AC, Schulz B, Helps C, Sauter-Louis C, Mueller RS, Hartmann K. Limited efficacy of topical recombinant feline interferon-omega for treatment of cats with acute upper respiratory viral disease. Vet J 2014; 202:466-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Friedl Y, Schulz B, Knebl A, Helps C, Truyen U, Hartmann K. Efficacy of passively transferred antibodies in cats with acute viral upper respiratory tract infection. Vet J 2014; 201:316-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Slack JM, Stiles J, Leutenegger CM, Moore GE, Pogranichniy RM. Effects of topical ocular administration of high doses of human recombinant interferon alpha-2b and feline recombinant interferon omega on naturally occurring viral keratoconjunctivitis in cats. Am J Vet Res 2013; 74:281-9. [PMID: 23363355 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.74.2.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether 14-day topical ocular administration of high doses of feline recombinant interferon omega (FelFN) or human recombinant interferon alpha-2b (HulFN) solution improves clinical disease and decreases virus shedding in cats with naturally acquired viral keratoconjunctivitis. ANIMALS 36 cats with upper respiratory tract disease and ocular involvement. PROCEDURES Cats received 1 drop of FelFN solution (1 × 10(6) U/mL), HulFN solution (1 × 10(6) U/mL), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (12 cats/group) in each eye twice daily for 14 days (beginning day 1). Oropharyngeal and conjunctival swab samples were collected from each cat before (day 0) and on day 14 of treatment for virus isolation (VI) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) testing to detect feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus. Subjective clinical scores were recorded on days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14. RESULTS The number of cats for which feline herpesvirus-1 was detected via VI or RT-qPCR assay was generally (albeit not always significantly) lower on day 14, compared with day 0 findings; however, findings on days 0 or 14 did not differ among groups. The number of cats for which feline calicivirus was detected via VI or RT-qPCR assay did not differ significantly between days 0 and 14 for any group. Clinical scores significantly decreased over the 14-day period but did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In cats with naturally occurring viral keratoconjunctivitis, bilateral ocular administration of high doses of FelFN or HulFN twice daily for 14 days did not improve clinical disease or virus shedding, compared with treatment with saline solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Slack
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Reed N, Gunn-Moore D. Nasopharyngeal disease in cats: 2. Specific conditions and their management. J Feline Med Surg 2012; 14:317-26. [PMID: 22511474 PMCID: PMC11132258 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x12444998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Nasopharyngeal disease is a common presenting problem in feline medicine. CLINICAL CHALLENGES The management of feline nasopharyngeal disease can be challenging at a number of levels. In many cases, a specific diagnosis may remain elusive. Some conditions may not be curable so owners need to understand the requirement for long-term management. In addition, treatment may be compromised by poor patient compliance. AUDIENCE This review, which is directed at any clinicians involved in the management of cats with nasopharyngeal disease, discusses acute rhinitis (cat 'flu) and a variety of conditions causing chronic rhinosinusitis/chronic nasopharyngeal disease. The intention is to assist treatment decision making by reviewing the most appropriate therapies from the options available for these patients. EVIDENCE BASE The information presented in this article is based on peer-reviewed publications and the clinical experience of the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicki Reed
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Division of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hospital for Small Animals, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK.
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Infectious Diseases. THE CAT 2012. [PMCID: PMC7161403 DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-0660-4.00033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Robert-Tissot C, Rüegger VL, Cattori V, Meli ML, Riond B, Gomes-Keller MA, Vögtlin A, Wittig B, Juhls C, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Lutz H. The innate antiviral immune system of the cat: molecular tools for the measurement of its state of activation. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 143:269-81. [PMID: 21719112 PMCID: PMC7112645 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune system plays a central role in host defence against viruses. While many studies portray mechanisms in early antiviral immune responses of humans and mice, much remains to be discovered about these mechanisms in the cat. With the objective of shedding light on early host-virus interactions in felids, we have developed 12 real-time TaqMan(®) qPCR systems for feline genes relevant to innate responses to viral infection, including those encoding for various IFNα and IFNω subtypes, IFNβ, intracellular antiviral factor Mx, NK cell stimulator IL-15 and effectors perforin and granzyme B, as well as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 3 and 8. Using these newly developed assays and others previously described, we measured the relative expression of selected markers at early time points after viral infection in vitro and in vivo. Feline embryonic fibroblasts (FEA) inoculated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) indicated peak levels of IFNα, IFNβ and Mx expression already 6h after infection. In contrast, Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CrFK) cells inoculated with feline herpes virus (FHV) responded to infection with high levels of IFNα and IFNβ only after 24h, and no induction of Mx could be detected. In feline PBMCs challenged in vitro with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), maximal expression levels of IFNα, β and ω subtype genes as well as IL-15 and TLRs 3, 7 and 8 were measured between 12 and 24h after infection, whereas expression levels of proinflammatory cytokine gene IL-6 were consistently downregulated until 48h post inoculation. A marginal upregulation of granzyme B was also observed within 3h after infection. In an in vivo experiment, cats challenged with FIV exhibited a 2.4-fold increase in IFNα expression in blood 1 week post infection. We furthermore demonstrate the possibility of stimulating feline immune cells in vitro with various immune response modifiers (IRMs) already known for their immunostimulatory properties in mice and humans, namely Poly IC, Resiquimod (R-848) and dSLIM™, a synthetic oligonucleotide containing several unmethylated CpG motifs. Stimulation of feline PBMCs with dSLIM™ and R-848 effectively enhanced expression of IFNα within 12h by factors of 6 and 12, respectively, and Poly IC induced an increase in Mx mRNA expression of 28-fold. Altogether, we describe new molecular tools and their successful use for the characterization of innate immune responses against viruses in the cat and provide evidence that feline cells can be stimulated by synthetic molecules to enhance their antiviral defence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Robert-Tissot
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is a major cause of feline morbidity. Following exposure to the virus, virtually all cats become persistently infected and many of these will develop recrudescent disease on one or more occasions during their lifetime. Acute ocular herpetic disease manifests as conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration and keratitis, and can be severe and painful. Repeated bouts of recrudescent ocular disease can lead to progressive corneal pathology that can be ultimately blinding in affected cats. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE FHV-1 has a worldwide distribution, with reported exposure rates in some cat populations of up to 97%. As such it is a significant cause of clinical disease in the global cat population. PATIENT GROUP Young and adolescent cats are most at risk of acute primary disease, and the vast majority of these will become persistently infected. Around half of all persistently infected cats will shed virus at some stage in their life and these may develop recrudescent ocular disease. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Treatment of FHV-1 ocular disease is challenging. Antiviral medications may be expensive, and require good owner and patient compliance. Clinical responses in patients can be variable. Selecting the appropriate therapeutic approach requires good clinical judgement, with assessment of factors such as severity and stage of clinical disease, patient and owner compliance, and financial considerations. EVIDENCE BASE Although a wide range of antiviral treatments is available, few have been tested in controlled clinical trials. Therapeutic decisions are, therefore, often based on results of in vitro studies, case-based reports and anecdote. Large, masked, controlled clinical trials are required in order to determine the efficacy of the antiviral drugs currently available to treat FHV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gould
- Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire SG5 3HR, UK.
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Corneal ulcers in cats (ulcerative keratitis) are a common presenting complaint, and are a frequent sequela to feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) infection. In fact, it is fair to assume an FHV-1 aetiology until proven otherwise. In practice, therefore, many cases of corneal ulceration can be treated medically, but treatment can frequently be challenging, with the need to tailor therapy carefully to the type of ulcer, the individual cat and its temperament. PATIENT GROUP All age groups and breeds can suffer with ulcerative keratitis although some breeds are over-represented for some types of corneal ulceration. EVIDENCE BASE The scientific literature on feline ulcerative keratitis is extensive, particularly that related to FHV-1 infection. This article reviews the medical treatment options for corneal ulceration in cats with reference to the current evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hartley
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
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Abstract
Although the normal cornea is devoid of vasculature and lymphatics, there are still several immune-mediated corneal conditions that can occur in dogs and cats. An overview of corneal immunology is presented. Diseases of dogs, including chronic superficial keratitis, superficial punctate keratitis, and canine adenovirus endotheliitis, as well as feline diseases, including eosinophilic keratitis and herpesvirus-related conditions, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy E Andrew
- Georgia Veterinary Specialists, 455 Abernathy Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30328, USA
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Hampel V, Schwarz B, Kempf C, Köstlin R, Schillinger U, Küchenhoff H, Fenske N, Brill T, Hirschberger J. Adjuvant immunotherapy of feline fibrosarcoma with recombinant feline interferon-omega. J Vet Intern Med 2008. [PMID: 18196745 PMCID: PMC7197455 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb01957.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant feline interferon-omega (rFeIFN-omega) was tested as a treatment option for cats with fibrosarcoma to assess safety and feasibility. HYPOTHESIS Treatment with rFeIFN-omega in cats with fibrosarcoma is safe and feasible. ANIMALS Twenty domestic cats. METHODS In an open-labeled uncontrolled clinical trial 12 injections of 1 x 10(6) U/kg rFeIFN-omega were administered over a 5-week period: the 1st through 4th injections were given intratumorally, and the 5th through 12th injections were administered subcutaneously at the tumor excision site. Wide surgical excision of the tumors was carried out after the 4th injection and before the 5th injection of rFeIFN-omega. A Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) analysis was conducted. Flow cytometry of fibrosarcoma cells after incubation with rFeIFN-omega and recombinant feline interferon-gamma was performed to assess the biological effect of rFeIFN-omega. RESULTS Changes in blood cell count, increases in serum aspartate-amino-transferase activity, serum bilirubin concentration, serum creatinine and serum electrolyte concentrations, weight loss, anorexia, increased body temperature, and reduced general condition were observed but were mostly minor (grade 1 and 2) and self limiting. Eosinophilia (P = .025), neutropenia (P = .021), and weight loss (P < .001) were statistically correlated with rFeIFN-omega-treatment (analysis of parameters before treatment and after 3 injections of rFeIFN-omega). Flow cytometry of 5 unrelated feline fibrosarcoma cell lines showed increased expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules (P = .026) in response to in vitro incubation with rFeIFN-omega, whereas expression of MHC class II molecules was not affected significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE RFeIFN-omega for the treatment of feline fibrosarcoma is safe, well tolerated, and can be easily performed in practice. To assess the efficacy of the treatment, it should be tested in a placebo-controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Hampel
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Hampel V, Schwarz B, Kempf C, Köstlin R, Schillinger U, Küchenhoff H, Fenske N, Brill T, Hirschberger J. Adjuvant immunotherapy of feline fibrosarcoma with recombinant feline interferon-omega. J Vet Intern Med 2008; 21:1340-6. [PMID: 18196745 DOI: 10.1892/06-201.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant feline interferon-omega (rFeIFN-omega) was tested as a treatment option for cats with fibrosarcoma to assess safety and feasibility. HYPOTHESIS Treatment with rFeIFN-omega in cats with fibrosarcoma is safe and feasible. ANIMALS Twenty domestic cats. METHODS In an open-labeled uncontrolled clinical trial 12 injections of 1 x 10(6) U/kg rFeIFN-omega were administered over a 5-week period: the 1st through 4th injections were given intratumorally, and the 5th through 12th injections were administered subcutaneously at the tumor excision site. Wide surgical excision of the tumors was carried out after the 4th injection and before the 5th injection of rFeIFN-omega. A Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) analysis was conducted. Flow cytometry of fibrosarcoma cells after incubation with rFeIFN-omega and recombinant feline interferon-gamma was performed to assess the biological effect of rFeIFN-omega. RESULTS Changes in blood cell count, increases in serum aspartate-amino-transferase activity, serum bilirubin concentration, serum creatinine and serum electrolyte concentrations, weight loss, anorexia, increased body temperature, and reduced general condition were observed but were mostly minor (grade 1 and 2) and self limiting. Eosinophilia (P = .025), neutropenia (P = .021), and weight loss (P < .001) were statistically correlated with rFeIFN-omega-treatment (analysis of parameters before treatment and after 3 injections of rFeIFN-omega). Flow cytometry of 5 unrelated feline fibrosarcoma cell lines showed increased expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules (P = .026) in response to in vitro incubation with rFeIFN-omega, whereas expression of MHC class II molecules was not affected significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE RFeIFN-omega for the treatment of feline fibrosarcoma is safe, well tolerated, and can be easily performed in practice. To assess the efficacy of the treatment, it should be tested in a placebo-controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Hampel
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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