Python Jodie Foster receives electrochemotherapy for cancer

A 4.5-meter reticulated python named Jodie Foster, living at Chester Zoo in England, has become the first snake of her species to receive electrochemotherapy, a cancer treatment typically used in humans. The procedure, performed in collaboration with specialists from the University of Liverpool, marks a significant advance in veterinary medicine Source: infobae.

The procedure

Jodie Foster, a 23-year-old python weighing about 50 kilograms, had a fibrosarcoma tumor in her jaw that recurred after initial surgery in 2024. During the 90-minute operation, veterinarians removed the tumor and part of the jaw bone, then applied electrochemotherapy using the drug bleomycin and controlled electric pulses to target remaining cancer cells Source: infobae. Due to her size, the team had to join two operating tables to accommodate her, and used thermal blankets and warm air to maintain her body temperature during anesthesia Source: infobae.

Recovery and outlook

A recent check found no signs of cancer recurrence, and Jodie Foster is eating normally again, able to strike, hold, and swallow food despite the removed jaw portion Source: infobae. The zoo's veterinarian, Ian Ashpole, noted that months ago they weren't sure she would survive, but now she behaves as expected Source: infobae. The team plans to publish details of the procedure to help other specialists develop similar treatments Source: excelsiormx.

Significance

This case demonstrates how scientific advances can open new possibilities for cancer treatment in animals, though the application in a python posed unique challenges due to the species' characteristics Source: excelsiormx. The successful outcome offers hope for treating similar cases in other reptiles.