Feline Vaccine-Induced Sarcoma Survey

As I am sure you are aware, there is an association between vaccination and sarcoma formation in cats. In order to further understand this association, reporting of these neoplasms and other pertinent information is necessary. Therefore, the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is complying with the requests of USP by mailing a survey form to all practitioners when the diagnosis of feline sarcoma is made by pathologists of the ADDL. (For more information regarding the USP PRN, see JAVMA Vol 208, No 3, pages 361-363, Feb, 1996). We hope that you will participate in this study by completing the survey and mailing it to USP Practitioners' Reporting Network (a postage-paid envelope will be provided to you with the survey). Also, please note the current recommendations based on the Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force as listed below.

- by Randy White, DVM, PhD

The issue of alleged vaccine-associated sarcomas is clearly complex, and complete answers are expected only after the expenditure of considerable effort. In the interim, veterinarians and cat owners alike can make decisions that, hopefully, will reduce the possibility of sarcoma development and improve the chances of successful treatment. More complete recommendations will be made as information from the task force is generated, but, based on material from the AAFP, the Academy of Feline Medicine, and the California VMA, the task force presents the following:

1. The manufacturer's label recommendation is the only official item a veterinarian currently has to demonstrate the basis for vaccination.
2. Alternate vaccination routes (eg, nasal, topical) should be considered if and when available.
3. The use of vaccines packaged in single-dose vials should be encouraged.
4. Vaccination is a medical procedure, and protocols should be individualized to the patient. Administration of any vaccine should proceed only after duly considering the medical significance and zoonotic potential of the infectious agent, the patient's risk of exposure, and germane legal requirements.
5. Any occurrences of vaccine-associated sarcomas or other adverse reactions should be reported directly to the vaccine manufacturer and to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Information about the USP Practitioners' Reporting Program and a sample submission form can be found in the JAVMA, Vol 208, No 3, Feb 1, 1996, pp 361-363. Additional reporting forms can be obtained by calling 1-800-4-USP-PRN. Submission of the form can be facilitated by diagnostic laboratories if the laboratories include a report form with each diagnosis of vaccine-associated sarcoma. The record should include vaccine type, lot number, and vaccination site; this information should also be incorporated into the patient's permanent medical file.
6. To further characterize the causal link and to facilitate treatment of vaccine-associated sarcomas, the following general guidelines for vaccine (and other injectable product) administration are suggested: 
   1. Veterinarians should standardize vaccination (and other injection) protocols within their practice and document the location of the injection, the type of vaccine or other injectable product administered, and the manufacturer and serial number of the vaccine, in the patient's permanent medical record. 
   2. It is recommended that: 
      1. Vaccines containing antigens limited to panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus type-1, and feline calicivirus (+/- chlamydia) should be administered on the right shoulder, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
      2. Vaccines containing rabies antigen (- any other antigen) should be administered on the right rear limb, as distally as possible, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
      3. Vaccines containing feline leukemia virus antigen (+/- any other antigen except rabies) should be administered on the left rear limb, as distally as possible, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
      4. Injection sites of other medications should be recorded.