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A comprehensive genetic analysis of cancer in pet cats has unveiled remarkable parallels with human cancers, offering promising prospects for advancing treatments in both species. Researchers examined tumor DNA from nearly 500 domestic cats, identifying significant genetic mutations associated with cancer. These findings shed light on a largely unexplored field, as cancer remains a major cause of sickness and death among cats, yet little is understood about its genetic development.
Dr. Louise Van der Wayden, the lead researcher, emphasized the novelty of the investigation by noting, “Cat cancer genetics has totally been a black box up until now.” She highlighted the broader implications of the study, suggesting that gaining insights into cancer across different species could prove beneficial for everyone. The study revealed that many genes influencing tumor growth in cats are also present in humans, indicating shared biological mechanisms behind cancer progression.
Of particular interest is the connection between feline cancer and certain aggressive types of human breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 15% of breast cancer cases. Cats are more frequently affected by this subtype, providing valuable opportunities for scientists to study tumor samples and better understand potential treatments. This could pave the way for developing new medications that might improve outcomes for both feline and human patients.
Cats are popular pets in the UK, with almost one in four households owning at least one, making them nearly as common as dogs. Although cancer research has frequently involved dogs, the genetic investigation of feline cancers has been limited until now. Since household cats and dogs share the same environments as their owners, they are exposed to similar environmental factors linked to cancer risk. As Professor Geoffrey Wood from the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada explains, this overlap offers a crucial opportunity to uncover how surroundings influence cancer development and explore novel prevention and treatment methods. The findings from this study have been published in the journal Science
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