Radiation Therapy for Pets (Dogs and Cats)
Yttrium-90 (Y-90) is an isotope of yttrium and has a wide range of approved uses in human medicine to treat various kinds of cancer. Brachytherapy refers to the precision placement of a sealed radiation source placed next to or inside a tissue requiring treatment (e.g. a tumor).
A benefit of brachytherapy is that the irradiation only affects a localized area. In people, brachytherapy is commonly used to treat tumors of the skin, prostate, breast, and liver.
How to Schedule Radiation Therapy (Y-90 Brachytherapy) with VCTN
Pet owners
Please contact us (preferably via email at [email protected] or by phone 410-614-0105) to inquire about scheduling Y90 brachytherapy treatment. You should have your veterinarian(s) email us a copy of your pet’s medical record including any images (x-rays, CT, MRI), bloodwork and tissue biopsy results.
Veterinarians
Please email [email protected] a copy of the medical record, lab work and any radiographs.
Radiation Therapy (Y-90 Brachytherapy) FAQs
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Y-90 brachytherapy provides a controlled delivery of Y-90 beta radiation to tumors. The maximum range of the Y-90 beta particles in tissue is 11mm and the mean range is 4.7mm. Cutaneous sarcomas (skin tumors) are the most common indication for Y-90 brachytherapy in pets.
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Y-90 is injected into a tumor using a syringe and needle. The number of injections within a tumor is dependent on the size of the tumor. Delivery of the agent offers highly localized radiation for control of cancerous tissue and/or solid tumors. Y-90 brachytherapy consists of a single minimally-invasive procedure and the pet can go home the same day.
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Family members should not touch the treated cancer lesion for the first several days. Routine activity between family members and the pet can occur soon after therapy.
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An E-collar or secure bandage may be necessary to prevent the pet from licking the treated tissue. The treated tissue may peel off over time.
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Any dog or cat is eligible for Y-90 brachytherapy treatment. Y-90 treatment is contraindicated in patients with metastatic disease as it only affects the treated tissue. Y-90 brachytherapy is not recommended for highly vascularized tissue including lung and pancreatic tissue.