20.02.2026 19:31
Scientists have mapped the genetic landscape of cancer in domestic cats, revealing similarities with the types of the disease in humans and suggesting potential contributions to treatment methods.
Recent research conducted by scientists has yielded striking results. The study revealed the most detailed genetic map of cancer ever produced in domestic cats, showing remarkable similarities to the types of the disease found in humans.
COULD CONTRIBUTE TO CANCER TREATMENT IN HUMANS
These findings may contribute to the development of new methods for cancer treatment in both cats and humans.
Scientists uncovered key genetic mutations associated with the disease by analyzing the tumor DNA of approximately 500 domestic cats. Although cancer is one of the leading causes of disease and death in cats, very little has been known about how the disease develops until now.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Louise Van der Wayden, stated, "The genetics of cancer in cats has been like a closed box until now."
"CATS MAY PLAY A KEY ROLE IN UNDERSTANDING TYPES OF BREAST CANCER"
An international team led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge examined nearly a thousand genes associated with 13 different types of cat cancer.
Researchers found that many of the genes that lead to cancer in cats overlap with their counterparts in humans. This indicates that the two species share fundamental biological processes that allow tumors to grow and spread.
Scientists say that domestic cats could play a key role in understanding certain types of breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer.
"WE MAY FIND NEW WAYS OF TREATMENT"
Prof. Geoffrey Wood from the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada stated, "This way, we can better understand why cancer develops in both cats and humans, how our environment affects cancer risk, and perhaps find new ways to prevent and treat the disease." The research was published in the journal Science.