Human-grade precision radiation therapy technology to debut

A new radiation therapy platform is set to enter veterinary medicine in early 2026. The new system, a robotically accelerated conformal beam radiation platform named Sirius, will make its debut at the cancer care center PetCure Oncology in Seattle, Washington.

The technology is being introduced through a partnership between Empyrean Medical Systems, a human and veterinary medical technology company, and Thrive Pet Healthcare, a nationwide network of veterinary hospitals. According to a joint press release from the 2 organizations, the system’s radiation treatment offers human-grade precision.

“This collaboration bridges [2] worlds—human and veterinary oncology—to accelerate innovation that improves lives,” Kal Fishman, president and CEO of Empyrean Medical Systems, said in the news release.¹ “Empyrean’s vision is to change radiation oncology for good. Our partnership with Thrive marks an important step toward that mission by opening new frontiers for compassionate, high-performance cancer treatment in veterinary medicine.”

Approximately 12 million cats and dogs in the United States are diagnosed with cancer each year, making it the leading cause of death in dogs and one of the leading causes of death in cats, alongside chronic kidney disease.² According to Empyrean Medical Systems and Thrive, the system is designed to deliver photon augmented wave stereotactic radiation therapy, combining robotic beam positioning, Monte Carlo–based treatment planning, and real-time image guidance to target tumors with high-dose radiation therapy while “sparing healthy tissue and critical organs.”

The technology’s accuracy and adaptability allow veterinary professionals to provide faster, safer and more effective care, the organizations said.¹ They added that the system’s initial installation in Seattle will give pets and their families in the Pacific Northwest region greater access to life-saving treatment.

“Facing a cancer diagnosis is one of the hardest moments a family can experience. Through this partnership, we’re helping make those moments easier with human-grade precision and compassionate care,” Scott Milligan, group vice president for Thrive Pet Healthcare, said in the news release.¹ “By bringing the Sirius system to PetCure Oncology in Seattle, we’re advancing our vision for the future of pet well-being—one built on medical excellence, innovative technology, and collaboration across teams and partners who share our commitment to helping pets live longer, better lives.”

“This cutting-edge technology represents a major leap forward in veterinary radiation therapy, enabling us to deliver precise, non-invasive treatments with minimal side effects,” concluded Neal Mauldin, DVM, DACVR, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVIM (Internal Medicine), chief medical officer of PetCure Oncology.¹

References

1. Thrive Pet Healthcare and Empyrean Medical Systems Partner to Bring Human-Grade Precision to Veterinary Cancer Care with the Sirius™ Advanced Radiation Platform. News release. November 20, 2025. Accessed December 1, 2025. https://empyreanmed.com/thrive-pet-healthcare-and-empyrean-medical-systems-partner-to-bring-human-grade-precision-to-veterinary-cancer-care-with-the-sirius-advanced-radiation-platform/
2. Cancer Research – Looking Back, Moving Forward. Morris Animal Foundation. June 29, 2023. Accessed December 1, 2025. https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/cancer-research-looking-back-moving-forward#:~:text=Share,death%20in%20our%20companion%20animals.