4 Trends in Radiation Therapy & Oncology for 2025

At PetCure Oncology, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of pet cancer treatment innovation to provide the best possible care for pets with cancer. Neal Mauldin, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine and Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology) and our Chief Medical Officer, shares four groundbreaking trends in radiation therapy and oncology to watch for in 2025.

Trend #1: A New Era of Mobile Radiation Therapy

New in the world of radiation therapy is the use of compact, self-contained radiation therapy units. Designed for both mobility and precision, these machines can treat superficial tumors, surgical scars, and many head-and-neck cancers with real-time imaging and sophisticated beam shaping, allowing precise delivery of radiation to the target. Unlike traditional systems, the smaller, mobile system doesn’t require a dedicated radiation vault, making it a game-changer for expanding access to care. This new technology potentially allows CT, treatment planning and then treatment delivery under a single anesthetic event, providing efficiency and minimizing stress for our pet patients.

Trend #2: Integrating Radiation Therapy and Immunotherapy
Combining radiation with immunotherapy could unlock powerful new treatment options. The immune system can better recognize and attack cancer cells by exposing hidden tumor antigens with radiation. In a two-step process, the radiation therapy treatment first releases the antigens so that the immune system can “see” them. The second step utilizes a vaccine targeting those newly exposed antigens, allowing the immune system to react to those antigens and attack them. A future, planned study will explore this combination in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma, potentially offering hope for conditions once considered untreatable.

Trend #3: Low-Dose Radiation for Chronic Inflammatory (Non-Cancerous) Conditions
Beyond cancer, low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) is proving to be very effective in managing chronic conditions like feline cystitis and stomatitis, as well as osteoarthritis in both dogs and cats. With a growing body of evidence and mounting success stories, this therapy is reshaping how we approach non-malignant chronic disease, offering lasting relief and vastly improved quality of life for pets suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions.

Trend #4: Low Dose-Rate Radiation Therapy (LDRRT) for B-Cell Lymphoma
Interest in LDRRT for canine B-cell lymphoma has been growing, and referring veterinarians should look to LDRRT as a viable option for treating dogs with lymphoma—80% of which are B-cell lymphoma. Two peer-reviewed papers have demonstrated dramatically improved survival times when LDRRT is incorporated into the induction phase of the most common lymphoma chemotherapy protocol. Although this treatment may have potential in T-cell cases, further research and collaboration are necessary to fully comprehend its application and impact. Similarly, cats may benefit from this treatment, but further work is needed to define the potential benefits. 

Looking Ahead
The field of veterinary oncology is rapidly evolving, promising a bright future for pets diagnosed with cancer. PetCure Oncology is proud to lead the way in innovative treatments that carefully balance quality of life and positive outcomes for pets across the U.S. These innovations represent just a glimpse of what’s possible as we explore new ways to provide exceptional care for pets and their families.

Let’s work together to give pets with cancer the advanced care they deserve. To learn more or discuss a case, reach out to our team today.