Colorado State University’s Flint Animal Cancer Center has reached an important milestone in its mission to deliver world-class cancer treatment for companion animals. The new Varian Edge linear accelerator is now open and treating patients. This state-of-the-art system is designed to deliver highly precise and efficient radiation therapy for pets fighting cancer.
This advanced technology enhances the FACC’s ability to treat cancer with increased accuracy while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The new machine also allows for shorter anesthesia and treatment times, enhanced imaging and treatment planning capabilities, and most importantly, improved comfort and safety for all patients.
The upgrade reflects FACC’s continued leadership in comparative oncology, where innovations in veterinary medicine often inform and accelerate progress in human cancer care.
Cricket Fights Cancer
The Radiation Oncology team underwent weeks of training to learn to make radiation treatment plans and deliver care with the Varian Edge. The new machine opened on April 20, 2026. The first patient to utilize this new machine was a sweet Golden Retriever named Cricket. At just seven years old, Cricket is fighting a nasal tumor. Her treatment protocol includes 18 treatments of conventionally fractionated radiation therapy. The treatment is expected to dramatically improve her odds against disease.
A Major Step Forward in Veterinary Radiation Oncology
The Varian Edge system represents a significant evolution in treatment planning and delivery. With improved imaging integration, faster treatment times, and increased adaptability, the system allows clinicians to better tailor radiation therapy to each individual patient – whether treating complex tumors or providing palliative care for end-stage patients.
Dr. Tiffany Martin, Radiation Oncology Section Head at the FACC, emphasized the transformative impact of the new technology:
“Upgrading to the Varian Edge marks a transformative step forward for veterinary radiation oncology – bringing unprecedented precision, speed, and adaptability so we can deliver the most advanced, compassionate cancer care our patients deserve.”
Under Martin’s leadership, radiation oncology has proven their long-standing commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with deeply personalized, compassionate care for pets and their families.
Expanding Research Opportunities
Beyond clinical care, the installation of the Varian Edge also opens new doors for scientific discovery. The improved precision and versatility of the system will enable researchers to design more advanced studies exploring tumor biology, radiation response, and combination therapies. What we learn from this new machine has strong comparative oncology potential – what we learn in fighting pet cancer with radiation therapy will inform human care as well.
Dr. Keara Boss, a leading radiation oncology researcher at the Flint Animal Cancer Center, highlighted the importance of this advancement for the future of research:
“This new platform allows us to push the boundaries of what we can study in radiation oncology. I am incredibly excited about the new research opportunities it creates – from refining treatment protocols to exploring novel combinations of radiation and therapies that could benefit both pets and people.”
This radiation therapy research underscores the FACC’s unique role as a hub for comparative oncology research, where veterinary patients contribute directly to breakthroughs that may also inform human cancer treatment.
Possible Through Donor Support
The Varian Edge upgrade was made possible through generous philanthropic contributions. Donor support has long been a cornerstone of the FACC’s growth, enabling the purchase of advanced equipment, expansion of clinical services, and development of innovative research programs. Dr. Christine Hardy, Associate Director of Operations, Strategy, and Donor Engagement at the FACC, highlights the importance of donor support at the FACC.
“We are deeply grateful to our donors for making the radiation oncology upgrade at the Flint Animal Cancer Center possible. This investment allows us to care for patients with cutting-edge technology, transforming how we care for animals, research new treatments, and teach future veterinary radiation oncologists. Thanks to your extraordinary generosity, the Flint Animal Cancer Center is stepping into a remarkable new chapter. This radiation oncology upgrade is more than new technology – it’s hope, comfort, and precious time for the pets who mean everything to their families. Your support is transforming the way we care, allowing us to deliver more precise, gentler treatments and to stand beside every patient with even greater compassion and possibility.”
Thanks to the incredible support from many donors, including Nan Stuart, LHD, and Jeff and Tiffany Neu, the FACC remains at the forefront of veterinary oncology. It’s only through donor support that we can provide pets with access to some of the most advanced cancer care technologies available anywhere in the world and continue to be at the forefront of cancer research.
Continuing a Legacy of Innovation
For decades, the Flint Animal Cancer Center has been recognized as a pioneer in veterinary oncology, known for integrating research, education, and clinical care under one roof. The addition of the Varian Edge system strengthens all areas of that work.
As the FACC moves forward, the team remains committed to the mission: advancing cancer treatment for animals while contributing to discoveries that benefit pets and people.