Snake makes history with cancer treatment normally used on humans

Health & FitnessPets
21 Aug 2026 • 8:22 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Snake makes history with cancer treatment normally used on humans

  • Jodie Foster, a 23-year-old reticulated python at Chester Zoo, is believed to be the first snake in the world to receive electrochemotherapy.
  • Vets and cancer specialists performed a 90-minute operation to remove a recurring malignant tumour from her jawbone before administering the treatment.
  • The innovative procedure combined the cancer drug bleomycin with electrical pulses to target remaining cancerous cells.
  • Recent checks confirmed there are no signs of the cancer returning, with the python fully recovering her appetite and normal behaviour.
  • Details of the groundbreaking procedure will be published to help veterinary professionals worldwide treat similar cases.

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