Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Improving quality of life in dogs with cancer using their own immune
By Mitani, Kosuke et al.·Published in Veterinary immunology and immunopathology·2021·Research and Development Department, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Quality of life-improving effect of autologous ex vivo expanded cytotoxic and opioid-producing lymphocytes for dogs with cancers.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 58 dogs with various types of cancer received a special treatment called activated lymphocyte therapy, which uses their own immune cells to help fight the disease. Owners reported that their dogs' quality of life improved after each treatment session, suggesting that the therapy not only helped with the cancer but also made the dogs feel better overall. The therapy worked by enhancing the immune response and producing natural pain-relieving substances. This approach showed promise in improving the well-being of dogs battling cancer.
People also search for: dog cancer treatment options · activated lymphocyte therapy for dogs · improving quality of life in dogs with cancer
Abstract
Activated lymphocyte therapy is one of the immunotherapies for cancer patients that is expected to prolong life without any adverse effects and maintain satisfactory quality of life (QOL). However, the objective assessment and maintenance of a standardized evaluation of QOL are not easy. We aimed to evaluate activated autologous lymphocyte therapy for cancer dogs using the characteristics of the cultured cells and QOL as perceived by owners. In in vitro experiments, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from healthy dogs were stimulated using anti-CD3 antibody and recombinant interleukin-2 under a closed system. The number of CD4and CD8T lymphocytes in the cultured cells was higher than that of PBMCs (P < 0.05). Natural killer activity, proenkephalin (known as the precursor of endogenous opioids) and interferon-γ mRNA in activated lymphocytes were significantly higher than in PBMCs (P < 0.05). Met-enkephalin was detected in activated lymphocytes. QOL of 58 dogs afflicted with common types of cancers in humans increased after every administration of activated lymphocyte therapy (P < 0.05). Overall, these results indicated that activated lymphocyte therapy could have beneficial effects on QOL in dogs with cancers. This was objectively evaluated and this improvement was related to presence of opioid-producing lymphocytes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34246811/