Cats & Cancer: New Research Offers Hope for Treatments in Humans & Animals

New research suggests that domestic cats could hold valuable clues for improving cancer treatment in both animals, and humans. A detailed genetic map of cancer in cats reveals striking similarities to cancers found in people, potentially opening avenues for new therapeutic strategies.

The study, conducted by an international team led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute in the UK and involving experts from universities in Ontario, Bern, and Cornell, analyzed samples from nearly 500 cats across five countries – Canada, the UK, Germany, Austria, and New Zealand. Researchers examined 13 different types of cancer, analyzing over 1,000 genes known to be involved in cancer development in humans.

The research highlights a surprising degree of overlap in the genetic mutations driving cancer in cats and humans. Specifically, half of the cat cancer samples exhibited a mutation in the FBXW7 gene, which is also linked to aggressive forms of breast cancer in humans. Nearly half of the samples also showed mutations in PIK3CA, another gene associated with human breast cancer. The most frequently observed mutation in cats was in the TP53 gene, often referred to as p53, a key gene implicated in many human cancers.

“One of our most important findings was that the genetic changes in cat cancer are similar to some of those seen in humans and dogs,” explained Bailey Francis, a co-author of the study published in Science. This suggests shared underlying mechanisms in cancer development across species.

The study’s findings are particularly significant because cats develop cancers spontaneously, in a similar manner to humans. As Louise van der Weyden, the study’s senior researcher at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, noted, cats – and dogs – live in the same environments as people, exposing them to similar pollutants and other environmental factors. This makes them a potentially more relevant model for cancer research than laboratory rodents, which are often raised in highly controlled settings.

Researchers believe that the feline cancer work represents an important contribution to the growing field of “comparative oncology,” which examines the similarities and differences in cancer development across different species. This approach aims to leverage insights from animal models to improve our understanding of human cancer and develop more effective treatments.

The creation of a “cat oncogenome” – a comprehensive profile of cancer-causing gene mutations in cats – provides a valuable resource for veterinary oncologists and researchers. Understanding the genetic basis of cancer in cats can help guide treatment decisions and potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies specifically for feline cancers.

However, the benefits extend beyond veterinary medicine. By identifying shared genetic vulnerabilities, the study could also accelerate the development of new cancer treatments for humans. The researchers hope their work will inspire further investigation into cat-specific cancer genes and pave the way for improved therapies for both pets and people.

The study underscores the importance of considering companion animals in cancer research. As cancer remains a leading cause of death for both cats and humans, a deeper understanding of the disease across species is crucial for advancing treatment options and improving outcomes.

While the research offers promising insights, it’s important to remember that cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the genetic and environmental interactions that drive cancer development in both cats and humans. The findings represent a significant step forward, but are not a definitive cure or immediate treatment solution.