We’re pleased to share a new advancement in the care we can offer our equine patients: personalized cancer immunotherapy, now available through our partnership with Torigen Pharmaceuticals. This innovative treatment provides a new option for horses diagnosed with cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), one of the most common equine cancers.
What Is Personalized Immunotherapy?
This therapy uses a horse’s own tumor cells to create a custom vaccine designed to help their immune system recognize and fight cancer. It’s a highly targeted approach, made specifically for each individual patient.
Here’s how it works:
1. Tumor Sample Collection: A sample of the tumor is collected surgically.
2. Histopathology & Consultation: The sample is sent to Torigen’s lab, where it undergoes histopathology (microscopic examination of the tissue). At this stage, your veterinarian will review the results and consult with you to determine whether the personalized vaccine is the right next step for your horse.
3. Vaccine Creation: If you choose to move forward, the lab will process the sample to create a personalized vaccine.
4. Treatment Administration: The vaccine is then administered over a series of doses to help the horse’s immune system respond more effectively to the cancer.
Why We’re Offering This
- Tailored to the Individual: Because it’s made from the horse’s own tumor cells, the vaccine is uniquely suited to their condition.
- Minimally Invasive: It’s a less aggressive alternative to traditional options like chemotherapy or radiation.
- Focused on Quality of Life: The goal is not just to treat the cancer but to support overall wellness during the process.
At High Country Veterinary Services, we’re always looking for ways to bring the most current and effective treatments to our patients. We’re excited to offer this personalized approach to cancer care and are happy to discuss whether it could be right for your horse.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or to learn more.