Electrochemogene Therapy as an Effective and Safe Treatment of Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors

Abstract

The aim of presented study was to determine efficacy and safety of combined electrochemotherapy and electrogene therapy in treatment of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors. 18 tumor nodules in 18 patients were treated with combination of intratumoral ECT using cisplatin and peritumoral intradermal IL-12 EGT. Complete response was achieved in 72% of patients (objective response in 78%), with 100% complete response rate in smaller tumors (<2cm3). In patients which presented without metastases before treatment (14/18), the disease did not progress and tumors did not metastatise despite 6 of them being higher grade tumors. Poor response to therapy (progression of disease) was observed in only 3 patients with pre-existing metastases and higher clinical stage of disease. However, one patient with metastatic disease was completely cured and remained tumor free for over 2 years. Systemic release of hIL-12 was detected in 88% of examined patients and 70% of patients responded with elevation of IFN-γ up to 3 months after therapy. The treatment didn’t cause any local or systemic side effects. In conclusion, electrochemogene therapy with a combination of IL-12 and cisplatin is highly effective and safe antitumor treatment in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors.