Cat cancers may reveal genetic clues about human cancer

Researchers analysed tumours and healthy tissue from nearly 500 pet cats across five countries and found genetic changes in several feline cancers that resemble those seen in humans, notably mammary carcinomas with frequent FBXW7 and PIK3CA alterations.

Researchers report that household cats may offer insights into cancer in both animals and people. This work is the first large-scale genetic profiling of feline tumours and used samples from almost 500 pet cats across five countries. The study examined about 1,000 human cancer-associated genes across 13 types of cat cancer. Teams involved include the Wellcome Sanger Institute and researchers such as Professor Geoffrey Wood and Dr Louise Van Der Weyden. Key findings: - The study analysed tumours and matched healthy tissue from nearly 500 pet cats, covering 13 different cancer types. - For several tumour types, the genetic changes that drive cancer in cats were comparable to those seen in humans and dogs. - In feline mammary carcinoma, researchers identified seven driver genes; FBXW7 alterations were present in over 50% of tumours and PIK3CA changes were found in about 47% of tumours. - In laboratory tissue samples, some chemotherapy drugs showed greater effectiveness against mammary tumours with FBXW7 changes, though this was reported as preliminary and requires further investigation. - The findings were published in the journal Science and involved collaborators at institutions including the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Guelph. Summary: The study documents shared genetic drivers between cat and human cancers and identifies specific genes frequently altered in feline mammary tumours. Researchers say these results open avenues for further research into cross-species cancer biology and potential targeted approaches, while specific clinical or therapeutic steps remain under investigation. Undetermined at this time.