+ Vincent's Story - Nasal Tumour - Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre

+ Vincent seen here loving life post radiation therapy.

+ Vincent – the handsome Staffordshire Bull Terrier

In October 2022, Vincent presented to BVSC after several months of sneezing, and more recent episodes of nose bleeds. He underwent a CT scan and biopsies which diagnosed a tumour in his nasal cavity. The tumour was so severe that it had invaded through the cribriform plate; the small area of bone that separates the nasal cavity from the brain.

Nasal tumours are often quite advanced by the time they are referred for treatment. The symptoms, which include sneezing and nasal congestion, are often mistaken for a bacterial infection, foreign object up the nose, or allergies.

In November 2022, Vincent completed 18 daily radiation treatments. At that point in time, BVSC housed a relatively historical Linear Accelerator utilising 3D conformal radiation therapy. This technology required us to perform long courses of radiation (18-20 daily treatments) in order to safely deliver the required dose.

Vincent has done remarkably well with resolution of his signs and a return to good health. Repeat CT scans after 5 months showed almost complete regression of his tumour. Vincent continues to do very well, 2 years later.

+ CT images show tumour before Radiation Therapy and after treatment

+ Latest CT image shows tumour reduction

Radiation therapy is the single most effective treatment modality for all types of intranasal tumours. Both surgery and chemotherapy traditionally yield disappointing results, however radiation can achieve significant tumour volume reduction, improvement in symptoms, and good longevity in affected patients. In early 2023, BVSC had a significant upgrade in our radiation technology with the installation of a brand new Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator.

With this state-of-the-art equipment we can condense the long courses of radiation down to just three consecutive daily treatments for many cancer patients including most patients with intranasal cancer. Another bit of good news is that with this new technology we can now retreat some patients if their tumour recurs after 12 months, further extending their quality of life.