Introduction

Canine oral melanoma (COM) is a highly aggressive and metastatic cancer. Many studies demonstrate posttreatment median survival time range from 4.8 to 12 months. Conventional treatments have not shown suitable disease control. A new perspective is represented by OncoTherad is a nanostructured inorganic phosphate complex associated to glycosidic protein, developed by University of Campinas (UNICAMP)/Brazil. Leads to distinct stimulation of the innate immune system mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4, resulting in an increased activation of the IFN signaling pathway. Furthermore, decrease the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANK-L) system, resulting in prevent the formation of metastases and/or counteract their progression. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of OncoTherad for first-line chemotherapy-relapsed high-grade COM (with or without metastasis).

Methods

Including 19 animals (8 male, 11 female), median age 12,5 years; OncoTherad treatment (G1 group, n=10) was initiated with twice per week intramuscular (22 mg/mL) application for 3 months, followed by one every other week application until one year of treatment. OncoTherad was associated (G2 group, n=09) with chemotherapeutic (Carboplatin: 250 mg/m² to 300 mg/m²—intravenous follow up 24 months).

Results

Based on RECIST criteria, overall complete response rate was 31.6%, overall partial response rate was 42.1% and, overall stable disease rate was 10.5%. Only 15.8% of total patients presented progressive disease. Median overall progression-free survival was 640 days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OncoTherad seems an effective treatment option for chemotherapy-relapsed COM patients and may provide benefit for preventing tumor progression.

Funding Information

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (Cnpq)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Fapesp)