Hiss-tory Made: Jodie Foster Becomes First Snake To Receive Pioneering Cancer Therapy

A 23-year-old reticulated python named Jodie Foster made headlines after becoming the first snake in the world to undergo a pioneering cancer treatment normally used on humans. Jodie, who lives at Chester Zoo, had developed a malignant tumour in her jaw, which first raised concerns when she began eating less and became inactive. The tumour was removed surgically but returned, threatening Jodie's life.

Undergoing electrochemotherapy after failed surgery, Jodie is now eating normally and acting like her usual self. This treatment involves combining the cancer drug bleomycin with controlled electrical pulses delivered directly to the tumour site, making cancer cells more permeable to the drug. Ian Ashpole, a veterinary officer at Chester Zoo, explained that the decision to adapt electrochemotherapy for a snake was made due to the tumour's destructive nature, which made further surgery a last resort.

The procedure required two operating tables to accommodate Jodie's size, and she was anesthetized before the 90-minute surgery. After the treatment, Jodie resumed normal activities, including striking, gripping, and swallowing food. Ian Ashpole and Jose Alvarez Picornell, a veterinary science professor, praised the success of this treatment and emphasized the importance of collaboration in veterinary medicine.

They plan to publish their findings to benefit the veterinary community worldwide. Jodie's recovery marks a significant milestone in the application of cancer treatments beyond human patients.