Cancer Immunotherapy for Companion Animals
In the challenging field of veterinary oncology, innovative treatment options are crucial. Vaxkit offers veterinarians a practical tool to harness the power of personalized immunotherapy, potentially improving outcomes for cancer-affected companion animals.
Innovative Veterinary Oncology
What is Vaxkit?
Vaxkit is a kit for preparing personalized cancer immunotherapy treatments in veterinary clinics. It enables the creation of an autologous vaccine using the patient's own tumor antigens. The resulting product is an extemporaneous preparation classified as a veterinary biologic by the USDA, designed for use by licensed veterinarians within established veterinarian-client-patient relationships.
This innovative technology utilizes hydroxyapatite-mediated delivery of tumor-specific antigens and heat shock proteins, stimulating the patient's immune system to target cancer cells. Vaxkit is compatible with various cancer types and treatment protocols, with potential applications across different animal species.
With an excellent safety profile and minimal side effects, Vaxkit integrates easily into existing oncology practices. It offers veterinarians a cutting-edge tool to enhance cancer treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes while providing a practical and safe immunotherapy option.
- Preparation Time
- 2h
- Doses per Kit
- 8
- Treatment Period
- 24 weeks
- Clinical Studies
- 5+
Comprehensive Kit
What does Vaxkit contain?
Vaxkit is a comprehensive kit that includes all necessary components for preparing personalized cancer immunotherapy treatments in veterinary clinics. The kit is designed for ease of use and efficiency. Each kit contains precisely measured materials and sterile equipment to ensure consistent and safe preparation of the immunotherapy treatment.
1 bag labelled #01/EXTRACTION, containing:
- 1 Petri dish
- 1 scalpel
- 1 5 ml syringe
- Grinding balls
- 1 pliers
- Sterile aqueous solution A / Sodium carbonate 5 ml
- Sterile aqueous solution B / Ammonium sulfate 10 ml
- Sterile aqueous solution C / Phosphate buffer 10 ml
- 1 pipette
- 4 centrifugation tubes
- 1 sterile 23G needle
- 1 sterile column: hydroxyapatite content 0.33 g
- 1 sterile 10 ml syringe
- 1 sterile 23G needle
- Sterile aqueous solution D / Carboxy Methyl Cellulose 5 ml
- 8 sterile 23G needles
- 8 sterile 1 ml syringes
- 8 small labels
- 1 large format label
Technical Information
Access detailed resources to help you implement Vaxkit in your veterinary practice. Our comprehensive materials include a product brochure, instruction manual, and training video to ensure you have all the information needed to effectively use Vaxkit for personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Get an overview of Vaxkit's features, benefits, and clinical evidence. Our brochure provides a quick reference guide for veterinary professionals considering Vaxkit for their oncology patients.
Download Product Brochure
Access step-by-step instructions for preparing and administering Vaxkit. This detailed manual covers all aspects of the treatment process, from tumor sample collection to vaccine administration.
Download User Guide
Watch our instructional video demonstrating the Vaxkit preparation process. This visual guide complements our written materials to ensure proper technique and optimal results.
View Training Video
Clinical Studies
Clinical studies evaluating Vaxkit's efficacy and safety in veterinary oncology have demonstrated its potential to improve outcomes in various cancers. While most research has focused on canine cancers, the results and mechanism of action suggest broader applications across cancer types and animal species. Vaxkit, marketed as APAVAC in Europe by Hastim, stimulates a patient-specific immune response against tumor antigens - a fundamental principle in cancer immunology. For a comprehensive understanding of the current evidence, please review the full studies available below.
- Marconato et al. (2014):
- This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial of 19 dogs with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma found that adding APAVAC to CHOP-based chemotherapy significantly improved median time to progression (304 vs 41 days, p=0.0004) and lymphoma-specific survival (505 vs 159 days, p=0.0018) compared to chemotherapy alone, with no additional toxicity. https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-13-2283
- Marconato et al. (2015):
- In this controlled trial of 45 dogs with advanced indolent B-cell lymphoma, combining APAVAC with dose-intense chemotherapy significantly extended median time to progression (209 vs 85 days, p=0.015) compared to chemotherapy alone, without increased toxicity. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.07.009
- Marconato et al. (2019):
- This 5-year retrospective analysis of 300 dogs with B-cell lymphoma confirmed improved median lymphoma-specific survival with chemo-immunotherapy vs chemotherapy alone (401 vs 220 days, p<0.001), particularly in specific subgroups. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.02.002
- Frayssinet et al. (2020):
- In this study of 12 dogs with osteosarcoma, APAVAC immunotherapy showed potential in improving survival, especially when combined with amputation (median overall survival 531 days for amputated vs 270 days for non-amputated dogs). https://www.hastim.fr/storage/fm_files/hastim/pdf/frayssinet-osteosarcome-2020.pdf
- Dias et al. (2021):
- This comprehensive review article provides an overview of various immunotherapy approaches for canine lymphoma, including APAVAC. It explores different immunotherapeutic strategies, their mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes. The paper highlights the potential of these approaches to improve treatment outcomes in both veterinary and human oncology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.621758
Frequently asked questions
- What is Vaxkit and how does it work?
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Vaxkit is an autologous tumor antigen-based immunotherapy kit. It utilizes the patient's own tumor antigens and heat shock proteins, released via hydroxyapatite particles, to stimulate a specific immune response against the cancer cells.
- How long does it take to prepare Vaxkit?
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A veterinarian can prepare the treatment in approximately two hours. This includes about one hour of hands-on work, with the remainder being unattended time for refrigeration and centrifugation. This efficient process allows for easy integration into a typical clinic's workflow.
- Can Vaxkit be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies?
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Vaxkit can be used both as a standalone treatment and in combination with other therapies. While many clinical studies have focused on its use alongside chemotherapy, its mechanism of action allows for independent use in suitable cases.
- How does Vaxkit's mechanism of action complement traditional chemotherapy?
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While chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, Vaxkit stimulates a patient-specific immune response against tumor antigens. This can potentially address chemotherapy-resistant cells and provide ongoing immune surveillance. Clinical studies have shown improved survival rates when used in combination, suggesting a synergistic effect.
- Can Vaxkit be used for all types of cancer?
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While Vaxkit has shown promising results in various cancer types, most clinical evidence is in canine lymphoma. However, its mechanism of action suggests potential efficacy in other cancers. Always assess each case individually.
- How long does it take to see results from Vaxkit treatment?
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Response times can vary, but studies have shown improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates. In lymphoma cases, significant improvements were often seen within the first few months of treatment.
- Are there any contraindications for using Vaxkit?
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Vaxkit is generally well-tolerated, but there are some important contraindications. It's not recommended for patients with severe immunodeficiency or autoimmune diseases. Additionally, Vaxkit is contraindicated for dogs with T-cell lymphoma. Always review the patient's full medical history and ensure accurate diagnosis before recommending treatment.
- How is Vaxkit administered?
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Vaxkit is administered as a series of 8 subcutaneous injections over 24 weeks, typically coinciding with the chemotherapy schedule.
- What are the most common side effects of Vaxkit?
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Clinical trials have reported minimal side effects. Mild, localized reactions at the injection site were sometimes reported. These reactions typically disappeared rapidly.
- How does Vaxkit's cost compare to other cancer treatments?
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Vaxkit is generally considered cost-effective compared to many advanced cancer treatments, especially when considering the potential for extended survival times.
About Us
Vaxkit Inc. is the exclusive North American distributor of Vaxkit, an innovative cancer immunotherapy kit for veterinary oncology. We are committed to bringing advanced treatment solutions to veterinarians across the US and Canada.
Vaxkit Inc.
1578 - 1155 Rue Metcalfe
Montreal, QC H3B 2V6, Canada
info@vaxkit.com
Vaxkit is manufactured by Hastim, a French company that also distributes the product in Europe under the name APAVAC.
Hastim
12 rue de CAULET
Aéroparc St Martin
31300 Toulouse, France
https://hastim.fr
Contact sales
We typically respond to inquiries same or next business day.