In a recent breakthrough, scientists have found a novel way to treat human cancer. And this comes from the house cats.
From a recent study published in Science, The researchers have profiled the genetics of cancer in cats on a very large scale, highlighting the first-ever effort in this regard.
The scientists believe that this breakthrough would be beneficial not only for animals, but also for humans. This genetic database would also be a valuable open resource for future cancer studies in cats.
The researchers from institutions including the University of Guelph, the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Bern assessed tumor samples from nearly 500 domestic cats collected in five countries.
Based on observations, the team found that cats, dogs and humans share many of the same cancer-causing genes.
A major discovery was the identification of the FBXW7 gene mutation in more than half of feline mammary tumors examined. This reflects the association between FBXW7 mutations and poor outcomes in human breast cancer.
According to early findings, it may be possible to treat mammary tumors in cats with chemotherapy containing the mutated FBXW7 gene, offering hope for future clinical treatments.
In addition to breast tumors, the teams also discovered close links between cancers in humans and cats, targeting the bones, lungs, blood, skin, central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
“This study could help us understand more about why cancer develops in cats and people, how the world around us affects cancer risk, and potentially find new ways to prevent and treat it,” said Dr. Geoffrey Wood, professor of pathobiology at the University of Guelph and co-senior author of the study.
The study also highlights a collaborative model that shows an overlap of knowledge between human and veterinary medicine. The recent findings from trials in cancer cats could transform human cancer research.
Dr. Louise Van Der Weyden, senior author at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said the study opens the door for future advances in cancer care in cats.
“We can now begin taking the next steps toward precision feline oncology, catching up with the diagnostic and therapeutic options available for dogs with cancer, and ultimately for humans.”
