Snake undergoes 'world-first' human cancer therapy
Summary
A reticulated python at Chester Zoo was treated for a cancerous tumor in its jaw using electrochemotherapy, a treatment usually used for humans. The snake fully recovered and is now eating and behaving normally after the combined surgery and cancer treatment.Key Facts
- The python is 4 meters (15 feet) long and named after actress Jodie Foster.
- It had a fibrosarcoma, a type of cancerous tumor, in its jawbone.
- After the tumor returned post-surgery, vets used electrochemotherapy to target leftover cancer cells.
- This is believed to be the first time electrochemotherapy was used on a snake.
- The treatment was done in partnership with cancer specialists from the University of Liverpool.
- Vets had to improvise by joining two operating tables because one table wasn’t large enough.
- The snake recovered quickly and returned to normal eating and activity within months.
- Details of the treatment will be shared with veterinarians worldwide to help others.
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