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New injection method proves to be successful
Cancer treatment successful in dogs
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UTRECHT,
Tuesday
Researchers at the University of Utrecht have successfully used
a new method to treat cancers in dogs and cats.
Research primary investigator Jolle Kirpensteijn expects that
the same method can be used in humans within the next 6 months. The
new method had never been used anywhere else in the world.
The method revolves around the injection of small radioactive
balls directly into the tumor, the so called holmium therapy. The
radioactive balls are being injected using a needle after which the
tumor is being radiated from the inside out. The major advantage is
that there is minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.
REACHABLE
Currently, Kirpensteijn has treated six dogs and cats. A number
of tumors had noticeably shrunk in size after treatment while others
had completely disappeared. Requisites are that the tumor is easily
reachable and that there are no alternative treatment options.
As an example Kirpensteijn mentions a cat with a "plaveiselcarcinoom",
a very serious form of skin cancer, in its mouth: "The tongue
and the skin underneath it were affected. An operation was not
feasible, and therefore we chose the holmium therapy. Currently, the
patient is doing well and the tumor has disappeared. We have also
treated a cat with a large melanoma, another type of skin cancer, in
its neck. After injection the size of the tumor has spectacularly
reduced.
Upcoming Friday, Jolle Kirpenstein will have his lecture as
professor in the department of veterinary medicine of companion
animals at the University of Utrecht. In it he will advocate the
healthy- equivalence principle. This principle works on the idea
that in medicine different areas should work together closely to
prevent and treat diseases which occur in different species,
including humans.
"Tumors in companion animals typically behave in a similar
fashion as tumors in humans. In general treatments are similar as
well. Because, companion animals often have spontaneous cancer types
which are very similar to those seen in humans it is very important
to collaborate in these areas. It often provides more insight than
research on laboratory animals. Research on dogs and cats is
essential to cure cancers in humans" according to Kirpensteijn.
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