Jodie Foster becomes the first snake to receive innovative cancer treatment

Friday 21 August 2026 - 20:47

By: Azzat Manal

Jodie Foster becomes the first snake to receive innovative cancer treatment

A giant reticulated python named Jodie Foster has made veterinary history after undergoing an innovative cancer treatment that had previously been used primarily in human medicine.

The 4.5-metre-long, 50-kilogram snake lives at Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom and is more than 23 years old. Her unusual name comes from the initials “JF” recorded on her documentation when she arrived at the zoo, which staff later turned into a reference to the famous Hollywood actress.

The medical team began investigating her condition after keepers noticed that she was eating less and becoming increasingly lethargic. Veterinary examinations revealed a fibrosarcoma affecting her jaw.

Although surgeons initially removed the tumor, it later returned and began invading the jawbone. The recurrence threatened the snake’s ability to eat and left veterinarians facing a difficult medical challenge.

To treat the cancer, specialists turned to electrochemotherapy, a technique that combines an anti-cancer drug with targeted electrical pulses. The electrical stimulation temporarily increases the permeability of tumor cells, allowing the medication to penetrate them more effectively.

Because the procedure had not previously been performed on a snake, veterinarians worked with cancer specialists to adapt the treatment to the animal’s anatomy and size.

The surgery itself presented another unusual challenge. Because of Jodie Foster’s enormous size, a standard operating table was not large enough. The medical team therefore joined two tables together to create a platform comparable in size to a double bed.

The 90-minute operation involved removing the tumor and the affected section of the jawbone, followed by electrochemotherapy to target any remaining cancer cells.

Months after the procedure, the snake returned to normal eating habits and regained her usual activity. A follow-up examination confirmed that there were no visible signs of the cancer returning, marking an encouraging outcome for the veterinary team.

The case could also have wider implications for veterinary medicine. Specialists believe that documenting the procedure may help veterinarians explore electrochemotherapy as a potential treatment option for cancer in other animals.