The goal of palliative radiation therapy is to improve the quality of life for animals diagnosed with cancer. Rather than aiming for a cure, this treatment focuses on alleviating cancer-related pain and discomfort during an animal’s final weeks or months.
Dr. Katrina SUN, Specialist in Oncology, shares that vets often recommend palliative radiation when definitive treatments—such as surgery—are not feasible, or in advanced cases where the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Cancers commonly managed with this approach include nasal cancers, oral cancers, bone cancers, soft tissue sarcomas, and many others.
Treatment protocols typically involve 1–2 sessions per week over 2–4 weeks, or daily treatments for one week, depending on the type and location of the cancer. These sessions are generally well tolerated, with most animals experiencing only mild and temporary side effects. When side effects do occur, they are usually self-limiting, or some animals may need minimal supportive care for a short period of time.
In a published study involving 118 dogs and cats treated with palliative radiation therapy, nearly 80% of surveyed animal owners were satisfied with their decision. Additionally, almost 80% felt that the treatment improved their animal’s quality of life.
Dr. Katrina and the care team are committed to ensuring that our animal patients receive radiation therapy that is both tailored to their individual needs and delivered safely, maximizing comfort and enhancing their overall quality of life.
References
Fan VC, Mayer MN, Sukut SL, Gustafson NR, Mauldin GN, Waldner CL. Retrospective survey of owners’ experiences with palliative radiation therapy for pets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2018 Aug 1;253(3):307-314. doi: 10.2460/javma.253.3.307.
