VACCINE-ASSOCIATED SARCOMAS IN CATS

Soft tissue sarcoma development subsequent to vaccination is often a f atal consequence to what has been considered In the past a benign, rou tine procedure. This article will address what is currently known abou t the problem and make suggestions regarding the management of postvac cinal sarcomas as well as their prevention. Although fibrosarcomas are the most frequently associated with vaccination, malignant fibrous hi stiocytomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, soft tissue osteosarcomas, and chondro sarcomas have also been reported. The material contained within the ma crophages of some of these reactions has been determined to be aluminu m, a component of adjuvants frequently used in inactivated vaccines. B ecause the sarcomas are difficult if not impossible to cure surgically , attempts to determine the specific vaccines that induce them and alt erations in routine vaccination regimens should be implemented to incr ease the chances of surgical cure of this disease and reduce their occ urrence.