Targeting Cancer with a Checkpoint Inhibitor that Reprograms the Patient's Immune System to Recognize and Fight Cancer

Immunotherapy has transformed oncology treatment in people for the past decade with checkpoint inhibitors that unmask cancer's ability to evade the immune system.  Gilvetmab, the first PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor for dogs, resulted in tumor shrinkage or maintenance of stable disease in 73% of dogs with mast cell tumors and 60% of dogs with melanoma throughout a 20-week trial.  Combination therapies, common in human oncology, are now becoming a standard in veterinary oncology, with fusions of standard treatments along with immunotherapy.  This lecture will discuss the mechanism of action of this innovative pathway, along with clinical cases and how we are combining therapies to maximize survival time.  This lecture will educate progressive veterinarians seeking up-to-date knowledge on advanced cancer therapies for their patients.

• 1. Understand the latest advanced techniques in veterinary immunotherapy with PD-1 targeting.
• 2. Establish a role for immunotherapy as it relates to efficacy, monitoring needs, and potential side effects.
• 3. Educate the general practice doctor on the benefits and limitations of immunotherapy options in veterinary oncology.