Use of a canine melanoma vaccine in the management of malignant melanoma in an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION A 25-year-old 4.4-kg male aquarium-hatched African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) was evaluated because of a raised 1.5 × 0.5-cm pigmented mass extending from within the right naris noted 2 days earlier. CLINICAL FINDINGS The penguin had a raised pigmented mass extending out from the right naris and onto the upper beak. Histologic examination of excisional biopsy specimens confirmed a diagnosis of malignant melanoma. A treatment plan including administration of meloxicam, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy was initiated. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Treatment with meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h) was initiated and continued for a total of 45 weeks; however, the medication was discontinued for a period of 6 weeks because of the risk of toxic effects in the chick that the penguin was feeding at that time. The penguin underwent local hypofractionated radiation therapy and received 4 once weekly 8-Gy fractions of radiation (total radiation dose, 32 Gy). The penguin was administered a canine melanoma vaccine transdermally every other week for 4 doses, with a booster injection given 7 months after the first dose. Treatment with the vaccine appeared to have no adverse effects. The penguin’s pre- and postvaccination tyrosinase-specific antibody titers were measured with an anti–human tyrosinase-specific ELISA, and a 3-fold titer increase indicated a positive humoral immune response to the canine melanoma vaccination. The penguin died of unrelated causes 54 weeks after initial diagnosis, and there was no evidence of metastasis on necropsy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These case findings suggested that vaccination with a canine melanoma vaccine may be a safe and useful adjunct treatment for management of malignant melanoma in penguins.

Feline Oral Melanoma—A Retrospective Study in 20 Cats and Case Report

“…It appears to improve survival by inducing tumor-specific antibodies, cytotoxic T-cells, and antitumor responses. 46 Administration of the vaccine typically involves an initial administration of 4 intradermal injections, biweekly, followed by boosters every 6 months thereafter. 45,47 Currently, this vaccine has been reported to be used off-label in cats, penguins, a tiger, and a lion.…”

“…45,47 Currently, this vaccine has been reported to be used off-label in cats, penguins, a tiger, and a lion. 21,46 One study specifically evaluating the use of the xenogeneic melanoma vaccine in cats included 24 cases of feline melanoma, with 8 cases involving the oral cavity. The study revealed an 11% adverse effect rate, although these adverse effects were considered to be minimal.…”

“…45,47 Currently, this vaccine has been reported to be used off-label in cats, penguins, a tiger, and a lion. 21,46…”

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

“…Case reports for use of Oncept in zoo species also exist. Examples include use in a wild mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) [48] with melanoma arising from the left lip commissure and metastases to multiple lymph nodes, an African lion (Panthera leo) [49] with melanoma of the lip, and an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) [50] with melanoma arising inside the nares.…”