The new linear accelerator, which replaced its second-hand predecessor
Cambridge University's Department of Veterinary Medicine has opened a new extension to its facilities, which includes a new linear accelerator to treat companion animals with cancer. 
Photo: University of Cambridge Veterinary School Trust
The extension at the Department's The Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital was officially opened Prince Michael of Kent this week. It represents the first phase of a project to develop a comparative oncology programme within the University for the benefit of both human and animal patients.
The university says that it is one of only three centres in England that can offer radiotherapy to animals and the only one in Europe able to treat horses and larger animals. The new linear accelerator, identical to those used in human cancer treatment, replaces the original machine acquired second-hand 1991. At that time, the Veterinary School's Cancer Treatment Unit for animals was the first such facility in Europe.
As many as one in four dogs and one in eight cats are affected by cancer, and it is the leading cause of death in dogs in the UK, says the University. The Cancer Therapy Unit has helped over 6,000 animals since its inception, and the new accelerator boasts more powerful doses of radiation along with increased accuracy to provide more effective treatment. It can treat up to 20 animals per week.
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