An international team of scientists has created the first detailed oncogenome of the domestic cat by analyzing tumor DNA from nearly 500 animals. Research published in the prestigious journal 'Science' reveals that genetic mutations causing aggressive cancers in cats are strikingly similar to those found in humans. This discovery opens the door to new therapeutic methods that could benefit both veterinary medicine and human oncology.
Identical Genetic Mutations
Research confirmed that mutations causing cancer in cats are almost identical to those found in human cancer cells.
Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Research
Feline breast cancer shows striking similarity to aggressive varieties in humans, which will facilitate the development of new therapies.
Shared Environment and Factors
Cats living in our homes are exposed to the same pollutants, making them an excellent model for oncological research.
Research published in the prestigious journal 'Science' marks a milestone in understanding comparative oncology. An international research team, including scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Bern, analyzed the oncogenome oncogenome of nearly 500 domestic cats. It was shown that cancers in these animals are not merely a result of aging processes but possess specific genetic mutations almost identical to those diagnosed in humans. Particular attention was paid to breast cancer, which in cats shows astonishing similarity to the most aggressive forms of the disease in women. Understanding these mechanisms allows scientists to view cancers as universal processes for mammals, which will significantly accelerate the testing of new drugs. Research on animal cancers for decades focused mainly on laboratory mice, which do not fully reflect the natural development of diseases in humans. Cats, sharing our home environment and exposure to the same external factors, become a much better research model in oncology. The analysis showed that cats are exposed to the same environmental stressors as their owners, making them natural indicators of oncological threats. Until now, the genetics of cancer in cats remained a kind of 'black box,' while research on hemangiosarcoma hemangiosarcoma in dogs was much more advanced. The new data allow for the creation of a map of driver mutations that determine tumor growth. Experts advocate for closer collaboration between physicians and veterinarians within the One Health concept. Thanks to this, targeted therapy developed for one species can be adapted more quickly for another, shortening clinical trial times and reducing their costs. „The discovery of similarities in the genetic profiles of cat and human tumors opens the door to shared therapeutic strategies that will save the lives of both our patients and their pets.” — Science Research Team 500 — domestic cats were examined for cancer genetics The conclusions from this publication are fundamental. Scientists identified genes that are damaged due to the same replication error processes or external factors. This means that molecular oncology can now treat the cat as a key ally in the fight against cancer. Moreover, this study sheds new light on rare and aggressive types of cancer that occur infrequently in humans, which previously hindered their statistical analysis. Thanks to a larger population of cats affected by similar changes, the statistical significance of the findings becomes undeniable.