Scientists say the genetics of feline cancer is no longer a mystery after completing one of the largest studies ever conducted on tumors in domestic cats.
This research scienceis the first large-scale effort to genetically profile cancer in cats. Researchers believe this discovery could deepen our understanding of cancer in both animals and humans, while creating a valuable open resource for future feline cancer research.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of illness and death in cats, but scientists have historically known little about the genetic changes that cause these diseases.
“Despite domestic cats being common pets, until now little was known about the genetics of cancer in these animals,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wood, professor of pathobiology at the University of Guelph and co-senior author of the study.
Cat tumors show strong genetic similarities to human cancers
Researchers analyzed tumor samples from about 500 domestic cats collected in five countries. The research team investigated genetic mutations involved in cancer development and discovered many of the same cancer-causing genes found in human and dog cancers.
Among the most important discoveries was a mutation associated with aggressive breast cancer in cats.
The most frequently altered gene in cat mammary tumors was FBXW7, which was mutated in more than half of the tumors studied.
In human breast cancer, mutations in FBXW7 are associated with a poor prognosis, in good agreement with what researchers observed in cats.
Scientists also identified similarities between feline cancers and human cancers that affect the blood, bones, lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system.
Because cats often share the same environment as their owners, researchers believe that some cancer risk may be due to common environmental exposures.
“This study will help us further understand why cancer develops in cats and humans, how our environment affects cancer risk, and perhaps help find new ways to prevent and treat cancer,” Wood said.
Chemotherapy discovery raises hopes for future treatments
The researchers were particularly encouraged to find that certain chemotherapy drugs appeared to be more effective against mammary tumors in cats with the mutated FBXW7 gene.
Although the results were only observed in tissue samples, scientists say the findings could point to new treatments for breast cancer in both animals and humans.
Co-senior author Dr. Sven Rottenberg from the University of Bern said: “Having access to such a large set of donated tissues allowed us to assess drug responses across tumor types, something that had not been possible before at this scale.”
Co-lead author Bailey Francis of the Wellcome Sanger Institute said the study could also benefit dogs.
“We all benefit when knowledge and data flow between different disciplines.”
“One Medicine” approach that links human and animal health
This international project brought together researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Guelph’s Ontario College of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Bern, and several other institutions.
Scientists sequenced DNA from tissue samples previously collected by veterinarians for diagnostic purposes.
The findings suggest that treatments already used in humans could eventually be tested in cats. At the same time, information gained through cancer trials in domestic cats could help guide future human clinical studies.
This collaborative strategy, known as the One Medicine Approach, facilitates the exchange of knowledge between veterinarians and medical researchers to improve health outcomes across species.
Senior author Dr Louise van der Weyden, from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said the study opens the door to future advances in feline cancer treatment.
“We can now take the next step towards feline precision oncology and keep up with the diagnostic and treatment options available for dogs with cancer and, ultimately, humans.”
This research was funded by EveryCat Health Foundation, CVS Group, Wellcome, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
