The Use of Oncept Melanoma Vaccine in Veterinary Patients: A Review of the Literature

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Oncept is a vaccine that is used to treat melanoma, a cancer of pigmented cells that can spread throughout the body, in dogs and other veterinary species. Its use is controversial, however, as the results of studies have been mixed as to whether it provides benefit and increases lifespan when used. This review summarizes the history of Oncept, and the various scientific studies that have reported on its use in dogs and other animals. While the vaccine appears to be safe, there does not appear to be evidence that it improves outcome when used. Further studies to better evaluate its use in patients, and exploration of other treatment options for melanoma, need to be performed. ABSTRACT: The Oncept melanoma vaccine is xenogeneic DNA vaccine targeting tyrosinase. It is USDA approved for treatment of stage II to III canine oral melanoma and is also used off-label for melanomas arising in other locations and in other species. While the vaccine appears safe, the published data is mixed as to whether it provides a survival benefit, and the use of the vaccine is somewhat controversial in the veterinary oncology community. In this paper, the published literature describing the use of Oncept is reviewed and evaluated.