From Niche to Necessary: How Radiation Therapy Is Quietly Transforming Veterinary Oncology in Korea
Radiation therapy has officially entered its growth era in Korean veterinary medicine. Once viewed as a highly specialized or referral only option, RT is now becoming a core part of how cancer is managed in companion animals. A new retrospective analysis from the S Animal Cancer Center offers the first systematic look at how radiation therapy has been used in dogs and cats across Korea from 2020 to 2023. The results tell a clear story. Demand is rising, protocols are evolving, and veterinary oncology in Korea is leveling up.
Radiation therapy plays a critical role in both definitive tumor control and palliative care. While its use has expanded rapidly in North America and Europe, data from Asia, particularly Korea, have been limited. This study fills that gap by analyzing real world clinical use of RT in companion animals and provides a valuable snapshot of how this modality is being integrated into everyday oncology practice. Researchers conducted a retrospective review of 376 companion animals treated with radiation therapy between 2020 and 2023. The cohort included 308 dogs and 68 cats. Data points covered the full clinical picture, including patient demographics, tumor location and type, radiation protocols, and the use of concurrent treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.
The most headline worthy finding is growth. The number of patients receiving RT more than doubled over the four year period, increasing from 59 cases in 2020 to 120 cases in 2023. That represents a 103.4 percent increase and reflects growing clinician confidence, client acceptance, and access to advanced oncology services. This rise mirrors broader shifts in companion animal care. Pet parents are increasingly seeking advanced cancer treatments that balance survival, comfort, and quality of life. Radiation therapy checks all three boxes.
Certain tumors stood out as frequent indications for RT. Sinonasal tumors were the most common, followed closely by intracranial, oral, genitourinary, and skin tumors. These findings align with clinical scenarios where surgery is challenging or incomplete and where radiation can offer meaningful local control or symptom relief.Stereotactic radiation therapy emerged as the most commonly used protocol for sinonasal and intracranial tumors. This reflects a growing preference for precision focused treatments that minimize damage to surrounding tissues while delivering effective doses.
Radiation therapy rarely acts alone. In this study, just under half of the patients received RT as a standalone treatment. The rest were managed with combination approaches:
25.5 percent received radiation with chemotherapy
17 percent received radiation with surgery
10.9 percent received radiation alongside both surgery and chemotherapy
This highlights how RT is increasingly embedded within multimodal oncology plans rather than reserved as a last resort.
Interestingly, 8.2 percent of patients underwent multiple radiation therapy courses. Sinonasal tumors were the most common reason for repeat treatments. This suggests that reirradiation is already being explored in select cases, particularly where local disease control remains a challenge and quality of life benefits are clear.
What This Means for Veterinary Oncology in Korea
This study represents a foundational dataset for Korean veterinary radiation oncology. It confirms that radiation therapy use is expanding rapidly and that advanced protocols like stereotactic RT are becoming mainstream in referral settings. More importantly, it underscores the need for future research. Outcome based studies, protocol optimization, and long term survival and quality of life data will be essential next steps. As RT becomes more accessible, evidence driven guidelines tailored to Korean clinical practice will be key.
Radiation therapy is no longer a fringe option in Korean veterinary oncology. It is a growing, adaptable, and increasingly essential tool for managing cancer in dogs and cats. This study captures a moment of transition and sets the stage for what comes next. More data, more refinement, and ultimately, better outcomes for patients.
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