Scientists studied 500 cats and found genetic links to human breast cancer

Researchers sequenced tumor and healthy tissue from almost 500 pet cats across five countries and identified shared genetic changes, including frequent alterations in FBXW7 and PIK3CA, that resemble mutations seen in human breast cancer.

Scientists analysed tumour and healthy tissue from nearly 500 pet cats to map the genetics of feline cancers. The work combined samples collected by veterinarians with DNA sequencing and compared findings to known human cancer genes. The study looked for roughly 1,000 human cancer-associated genes across 13 types of cat cancer. Authors say the results reveal similarities between some cat and human cancers and could support cross-species research. Key findings: - The team sequenced samples from almost 500 cats across five countries and screened about 1,000 human cancer-associated genes. - Seven driver genes were highlighted; the most common was FBXW7, with changes in over 50% of the cat tumours examined. - PIK3CA alterations were seen in 47% of cat mammary carcinoma tumours, a change also observed in human breast cancer. - Some chemotherapy drugs appeared more effective in cat mammary tumours that had FBXW7 changes, according to the report. - The authors suggest a One Medicine approach, where successful human therapies could be trialed in cats to share knowledge between veterinary and human oncology. Summary: The study makes the genetics of many domestic cat tumours clearer and documents genetic parallels with human cancers, especially for mammary tumours. Researchers describe this as a step toward precision feline oncology and suggest further work to test whether treatments used in humans could be applicable to cats; specific subsequent actions and clinical trials are undetermined at this time.