Precision, safety, and comfort are everything when treating cancer in pets. That’s why Dr. Kelly’s newly upgraded Electrochemotherapy (ECT) machine is significantly impacting veterinary oncology. This state-of-the-art system provides a localized, highly targeted cancer treatment that enhances chemotherapy uptake using safe electrical pulses, delivering better outcomes with minimal side effects.
What is Electrochemotherapy (ECT)?
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a localized cancer treatment combining chemotherapy with short, controlled electrical pulses. These pulses temporarily increase the permeability of cancer cell membranes, allowing chemotherapy drugs — particularly bleomycin or cisplatin — to flood into the cancer cells. This technique can increase drug uptake by up to 1000 times compared to standard intravenous (IV) administration. The chemo is delivered directly to just the tumor or mass, rather than to the whole body. So there is no systemic toxicity and recovery times are much shorter.
ECT is most effective for:
- Small, superficial tumors
- Mast cell tumors
- Soft tissue sarcomas
- Feline injection site sarcomas
It’s also useful as an adjunct therapy when surgery isn’t possible or when radiation is declined or unavailable.
Why Dr. Kelly’s ECT Machine Stands Out
Dr. Kelly’s upgraded Electrochemotherapy system improves outcomes by offering:
- More precise electrical delivery tailored to each tumor’s size and location
- Faster, safer treatment sessions with improved recovery times
- Lower side effect rates, thanks to superior drug targeting
- Compatibility with bleomycin, which has minimal uptake outside the treatment zone, increasing the safety profile
This machine’s advancements mean your pet receives maximized treatment impact with minimal discomfort or risk.
How Electrochemotherapy Works
- Anesthesia or Sedation: Your pet is safely anesthetized or sedated to prevent movement and ensure comfort.
- Drug Delivery: Chemotherapy is administered either into the tumor (intralesional) or through an IV, depending on tumor type and location.
- Electrical Application: Electrical pulses are applied directly to the tumor and surrounding margins using specialized probes to maximize drug absorption.
- Quick Recovery: Most pets go home the same day, and only 1–3 treatments are typically needed.
Dr. Kelly using electro-chemotherapy on a patient recently diagnosed with metastatic throat cancer, targeting only the tumors in a localized manner. This cutting-edge therapy works without whole-body toxicity because healthy tissue does not receive the chemo. It means the patient has minimal side effects and a much speedier recovery.
Side Effects: What to Expect
ECT is well-tolerated. Fewer than 10% of patients experience mild side effects such as:
- Temporary redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Local discomfort
Most effects resolve within days, and serious complications are infrequent.
Proven Success in Cancer Treatment
ECT is delivering real results for pet owners and their veterinarians. Here are some key clinical outcomes:
- Mast cell tumors: DFI 31 months
- Soft tissue sarcomas: DFI 28–36 months
- Feline injection site sarcomas:MST 32 months
What is DFI?
DFI (Disease-Free Interval) refers to the time after treatment when a pet remains completely cancer-free. A longer DFI means your pet enjoys a better quality of life and more time with minimal health concerns.
What is MST?
MST (Median Survival Time) is the average lifespan post-treatment, offering another critical indicator of how effective the therapy is in extending your pet’s life.
ECT is also repeatable if cancer recurs, making it an excellent long-term management option for specific tumor types.
Is Your Pet a Good Candidate for ECT?
ECT is ideal if:
- Your pet has a small or superficial tumor
- Surgery isn’t possible or has been declined
- You’re seeking minimally invasive alternatives
- Your pet needs a shorter recovery and fewer side effects
Final Thought
Dr. Kelly’s advanced Electrochemotherapy isn’t just another cancer treatment — it’s a beacon of hope. With its impressive safety, pinpoint precision, and real-world success, pets live longer, healthier lives than ever before.
If your pet is battling cancer, don’t wait. Contact Dr. Kelly’s clinic and ask whether ECT might be the breakthrough treatment your pet needs. You can reach us at 505-982-4492 or book an appointment on www.vetcancercare.com