APAVAC

APAVAC is a personalized, autologous cancer immunotherapy used primarily in veterinary medicine. The vaccine is formulated individually from a biopsy of the patient’s tumor, combining tumor-derived heat shock proteins (HSPPCs) and hydroxyapatite ceramic powder. The mechanism involves hydroxyapatite serving as an adjuvant and antigen-presenting matrix, adsorbing heat shock proteins that capture a broad repertoire of tumor antigens. This approach aims to activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes to target and destroy the animal's own tumor cells, thereby redirecting the immune response specifically against cancer. APAVAC is administered via subcutaneous or intradermal injection and is well tolerated, with no reported serious toxicity or autoimmune reactions. It is considered a standard therapy for diffuse large cell B lymphoma in dogs and has also shown benefit in treating other tumors, including osteosarcoma, mammary carcinoma, oral melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcoid tumors in dogs, cats, horses, and small mammals. Clinical studies have documented improved time to progression and survival when combined with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone[2][3][5][6][7][8].

Brand names

APAVAC

Other names

APAVAC autologous vaccine