Vacsosarcomas is a new name for the vaccine induced fibrosarcoma (cancer) of cats. While FVRC-P vaccine is safe, FeLV and Rabies may not be. No particular brand of FeLV or Rabies Vaccine is identified as the cause. Dr. Dennis Macy of C.S.U. says, "Cats should not be unnecessarily vaccinated (i.e. annual vaccination for rabies with a three year rabies product should be discouraged). None of the killed FeLV or Rabies vaccines should be given in the inter-scapular space (between the shoulder blades). Vaccines administered S.Q. on a limb may be preferable. Rabies on the right and FeLV on the left with documentation of the manufacturer will minimize problems. Vaccines given into the muscle just makes detection of cancer more difficult."

If you find a lesion the shoulder blades of your cat, suspect a Vacsosarcoma. See your vet for a biopsy. Do not attempt simple surgical excision as it is seldom curative. Even aggressive wide surgical excisions are often incomplete." Dr. Macy recommends radiation therapy be included either before or after extremely wide surgical excision.

The Animal Cancer Center's protocol for Soft Tissue Sarcomas is the most aggressive approach to Vacsosarcoma being used in the entire U.S.A. Data suggests that tumor bed implants with carboplatinum chemotherapy along with intraoperative radiation therapy into the tumor bed is effective in long term survival. Chemotherapy is given as a radiation therapy enhancer along with 10 fractions of external beam radiation therapy totalling 5,000 cGy to the tumor bed over a five week period after surgery. We also give chemotherapyevery 21 days to enhance the radiation effect in cases that need it. So far, we have consulted for 65 cases of this type of cancer. The treatment is best in first time cases, but we have "cured" even cats that have had over two recurrences!

Cats are rechecked monthly with follow up chemotherapy for six to eight months. Hair returns 2-4 months post treatment. The fur often grows back a different color.

Cases may be received from anywhere in the world. Our pick up service from LAX will deliver pete to our facility promptly and safely. We have successfully treated cases as far away as Vancouver. We declare war on Vacsosarcomas! The management decisions which you and your vet make at the very onset of any cancer determines the chances of successful treatment and patient survival.

"Pets make a house a home." That was the 1995 National Pet Week slogan. Isn't that the truth!