Palliative Radiation Therapy to Enhance Quality of Life For Pets with Terminal Cancer
Palliative Radiation Therapy (PRT) serves as an important approach to improving the quality of life (QOL) for pets diagnosed with advanced cancers. As a veterinarian, you may have pet patients who have been diagnosed with cancer that may not be candidates for curative-intent treatment or clients that choose not to pursue it. PRT offers a way to alleviate symptoms like chronic pain, bleeding, or obstruction, allowing pets to enjoy their final days with their loving pet parents in greater comfort and dignity.
What is Palliative Radiation Therapy (PRT)?
In short, Palliative Radiation Therapy is a treatment option whose aim is to reduce painful symptoms of cancer and improve overall quality of life. PRT is not curative and pet parents should be made aware that this treatment is solely focused on improving quality of life for their dog or cat in the time that remains.
PRT Study & Results Featured in JAVMA
From 2004 – 2013, a PRT study published in JAVMA included 118 pet owners whose dog, cat (or rabbit) received PRT.1 The goal of the study was to gather the pet parent’s perspective via survey on the effectiveness of palliative radiation therapy in alleviating pain and improving quality of life. Additionally, pet parents were asked about their overall satisfaction with PRT and if they were happy that they pursued the treatment for their pet. The participants consisted primarily of dog owners at 81%, while cat owners represented 18% of the respondents (and 2 rabbits were also included). The results showed that 79% of pet owners were happy with their decision to pursue PRT, and 78% of pet owners saw improvements in their pets’ quality of life following the treatment.2
When to Consider PRT
PRT can be considered for pets with terminal cancer to help improve their quality of life. Pets that may benefit most from PRT include those who have been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcomas, nasal carcinomas, and a range of other tumor types that may cause distressing and/or painful symptoms.3 PRT is often recommended in cases where surgery isn’t feasible or when the primary goal is to relieve pain and discomfort rather than to cure the underlying condition.
“The goal of PRT is to improve a patient’s quality of life through alleviation of specific symptoms like pain, bleeding, or obstruction associated with an incurable tumor. This treatment is not intended to extend a patient’s survival time.”4
Managing Pet Owner Expectations
When offering PRT to a pet owner whose pet is facing terminal cancer, it’s important to stress that PRT is not curative. Participants in the study who were under a different impression ranked their satisfaction lower with PRT than those who clearly understood that PRT is solely for reducing pain and enhancing quality of life in a pet’s final weeks or months. And while every patient is different, studies have shown that the average survival time post-PRT treatment is about 3-4 months. Pet owners should also be made aware that PRT can have side effects and about one-third of the study participants reported side effects. These effects typically last 2-4 weeks but the treatment can afford additional weeks or months of vastly improved quality of life for the pet.5
Does PRT Lead to Added Discomfort for Pets Who are Already in Pain?
One concern that pet parents express is whether they are putting their pet through more discomfort and they wonder, “is palliative radiation therapy worth it?” In some cases, pets may experience short-term discomfort from the treatment, but the overall goal of PRT is to alleviate pain and provide lasting relief from the symptoms of cancer, including bone pain or pain that manifests as a result of tumors pressing on internal organs. Side effects from palliative radiation therapy for pets are temporary, and the relief gained from treatment can last for weeks or months.6
In Closing…
As professionals who are dedicated to the wellbeing of animals, we are committed to providing compassionate care for pets throughout every phase of their lives and illness. PRT for pets offers an important option for pet parents who have a furry family member facing a terminal disease. Our goal is to help pets experience the highest quality of life during their final moments. When symptoms are managed effectively, PRT can enhance the quality of life for both pets and their families, allowing them to enjoy more precious moments together.
1-6 JAVMA Retrospective Study of Pet Owners’ Experiences with Palliative Radiation Therapy