First-in-the-world: UK python receives cancer treatment meant for humans
What's the story
A 15-foot-long reticulated python named Jodie Foster has become the world's first snake to receive electrochemotherapy. The groundbreaking treatment was administered after a cancerous tumor reappeared in her jaw. The 23-year-old python resides at Chester Zoo and had previously undergone surgery for fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor in her jaw. However, the cancer returned and started affecting her jawbone.
Treatment adaptation
Treatment was adapted for the python
To save Jodie's life, the veterinary team consulted cancer specialists at the University of Liverpool. They sought to adapt electrochemotherapy, a treatment usually used on humans, for her.
The procedure involved removing the tumor and part of the damaged jaw before applying controlled electrical pulses with the cancer drug bleomycin.
This method helped target any remaining cancerous cells in her body after surgery.
Post-treatment progress
Jodie is now back to her normal self
Months after the electrochemotherapy procedure, Jodie is said to be eating normally and "back to her usual bright and feisty self."
Keepers have observed that she can still strike, grip, and swallow food without any apparent difficulty.
A follow-up examination in August found no evidence of cancer returning in her body.
This successful treatment not only saved Jodie's life but also offers a valuable case study for veterinary professionals worldwide.
Treatment details
What is electrochemotherapy?
Electrochemotherapy combines a chemotherapy drug called bleomycin with controlled electrical pulses applied to the area being treated.
The pulses temporarily alter cell permeability, helping more of the drug enter the targeted tissue.
This method was especially important in Jodie's case, as it offered a way to treat her after removing both the tumor and damaged section of jawbone.