Source: The Guardian
A 23-year-old reticulated python at Chester Zoo is believed to be the first snake treated with electrochemotherapy, an emerging cancer treatment also used in humans. The 15-foot, 50-kilogram snake, named Jodie Foster, was diagnosed with a malignant fibrosarcoma in her jaw after keepers noticed decreased appetite and activity.
Veterinarians initially removed the tumor surgically, but it returned and began invading her jawbone. Working with cancer specialists, the zoo’s Veterinary team performed a 90-minute procedure combining additional surgery with electrochemotherapy. The treatment uses the cancer drug bleomycin and controlled electrical pulses that make cancer cells more permeable to the medication.
Months later, Jodie is eating normally and has returned to her usual behavior. A recent examination found no evidence that the cancer had returned. Specialists plan to formally publish details of the procedure so Veterinary professionals worldwide can learn from the treatment and potentially apply the approach to other patients.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/21/python-jodie-foster-snake-cancer-electrochemotherapy