Oncology – Radiation
How Stereotactic Radiation Works
Using sophisticated image guidance that pinpoints the exact location and shape of a tumor, SRT delivers extremely precise doses of radiation to cancer cells while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue.
This precision also means that a more concentrated dose of radiation can be delivered during each visit. As a result:
- SRS/SRT can be completed in just 1 to 3 sessions (conventional radiation therapy can take 15-21 sessions to achieve similar results)
- Side effects are typically less common and less severe with SRS/SRT, and most pets maintain a good quality of life during and after treatment
What To Expect During Stereotactic Radiation
After an initial consultation with you and your pet, a board-certified radiation oncologist will explain the treatment options and answer your questions. Once the treatment plan is agreed upon, we’ll schedule your pet’s first appointment.
- Prior to the first radiation therapy treatment, we’ll perform a CT scan. This imaging study can take one to two hours and requires that we place your pet under anesthesia.
- We use the CT scan to create a 3-dimensional computer model of your pet’s tumor. This guides the radiation beams to the precise dimensions of the tumor.
- SRT treatments are given on consecutive days; each session typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Because your pet must remain completely still during treatment, anesthesia will be administered. You can take your pet home as soon as he/she wakes up.
- Tumor size reduction and symptom improvement can occur over the days, weeks, and months that follow, so periodic follow-up visits will be scheduled to track your pet’s progress.
What Types Of Cancer Can SRS/SRT Treat?
While SRS/SRT can be used for most types of tumors, it’s best suited for localized cancer that hasn’t spread significantly throughout the body. In addition, SRS/SRT may be used instead of complex surgery in critical locations such as the brain or spine. The types of cancer that SRS/SRT can treat include:
- Brain
- Extremity tumors of the skin and connective tissues
- Head and neck
- Pelvic canal
- Spinal
- Kidney
- Liver
- Lung
- Pancreas
- Thyroid
What Other Types of Radiation Therapy are Available Through Petcure Oncology at NorthStar VETS?
There may be situations where other forms of radiation therapy are appropriate, including:
-
Conventional Radiation
Therapy Conventionally fractionated radiation therapy (CFRT) also uses targeted radiation to shrink or destroy cancer cells. It is delivered in lower doses spread out over a larger number of treatment sessions. CFRT is typically administered in 15-21 treatment sessions over 3-7 weeks. Pets will need to be anesthetized to ensure they remain still during each session. -
Palliative Care
Sometimes pet owners opt not to treat cancer for many reasons, particularly if remission is not realistic. In this case, palliative care—which includes pain management—can be used to increase a pet’s comfort and quality of life. Typically delivered in weekly low-dose radiation therapy treatments over 3-6 weeks, the goal is to relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and decreased mobility.
Is My Pet a Candidate for SRS/SRT?
To learn if your pet is a candidate for stereotactic radiation therapy, please contact us at 609-259-8300 or info@northstarvets.com.
And if you’d like to learn more about stereotactic radiation therapy, please visit PetCure Oncology’s website.
