Review Article
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF ELECTRON BEAM THERAPY IN VETERINARY MEDICINE
Authors: Dženita Hadžijunuzović-Alagić and Nejra Hadžimusić
Dženita Hadžijunuzović-Alagić: Department for Clinical Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Nejra Hadžimusić: Department for Clinical Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
ABSTRACT
Electron beam radiotherapy is a teletherapy technique utilizing megavoltage electron beams produced by a linear accelerator. These electrons interact with tissue, reaching their maximum dose at shallow depths and rapidly decreasing beyond the target area, minimizing radiation exposure to distal tissues and organs. The clinical application of high-energy electron beams (up to 20 MeV) allows for effective treatment of superficial tumors while preserving deeper healthy tissues. Due to these advantages, electron beam therapy plays a crucial role in both human and veterinary oncology. In veterinary oncology, radiotherapy has become an essential modality for tumor treatment, with two primary techniques: teletherapy and brachytherapy. Teletherapy, including electron beam radiation, is the most commonly used approach in veterinary radiotherapy, offering significant advantages in treating superficial tumors while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Recent studies highlight the growing role of electron beam therapy in the management of tumors in dogs and cats, particularly for oral tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, mast cell tumors, nasal carcinomas, and brain tumors. Additionally, hypofractionated radiation protocols (8–10 Gy per fraction, with total doses of 16–30 Gy) have been explored for palliative treatment in companion animals with short life expectancy, where the risk of late radiation side effects is low. This technique provides symptom relief and improves the quality of life for affected animals. Despite advancements in veterinary radiotherapy, treatment outcomes depend on factors such as total radiation dose, fractionation schedule, and tumor type. While electron beam radiotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in various oncological applications, further studies are needed to optimize treatment protocols and enhance long-term tumor control while minimizing adverse effects.
Keywords: Megavoltage radiation, Linear accelerator, Superficial tumors, Veterinary oncology