Household felines may offer crucial insights into the progression of breast cancer in people,according to groundbreaking new research.A first-of-its-kind study examining multiple cancer types in cats has pinpointed specific genetic mutations that could unlock new treatments for both humans and animals.

Cancer ranks among the primary causes of illness and mortality in domestic cats,yet its development remains poorly understood.The new study,published in the journal Science,analyzed tumor samples from nearly 500 pet cats across five countries,led by scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Institute,the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada,and the University of Bern.

A key discovery was that the genetic alterations driving cancer formation in cats closely resemble those found in human cancers."By comparing cancer genomics across species,we gain a deeper understanding of cancer’s underlying causes,"explained Bailey Francis,co-first author from the Wellcome Sanger Institute."One major takeaway is that the genetic changes in feline cancers are similar to some seen in humans and dogs.This shows how knowledge flowing between veterinary and human medicine can benefit all."

Cats share many of the same environmental cancer risks as their human companions,suggesting overlapping causes.By sequencing DNA from veterinary diagnostic samples,researchers identified recurring genetic changes in feline cancers that mirror those in human cancers—particularly similarities between feline mammary tumors and human breast cancer.

The team examined about 1,000 human cancer-linked genes across tumor and healthy tissue samples,covering 13 different cat cancer types,and compared the patterns to those in human and canine cancers.One focus was mammary carcinoma,a common and aggressive cancer in cats.Researchers identified seven key"driver"genes that,when mutated,promote cancer development.

The most frequently altered driver gene was FBXW7,found in half of the feline mammary tumors studied.In humans,alterations in the FBXW7 gene in breast cancer are linked to poorer outcomes—a pattern also observed in cats.Notably,certain chemotherapy drugs appeared more effective against cat tumors with FBXW7 mutations,hinting at potential therapeutic strategies for both species.

The second most common driver,PIK3CA,was altered in 47%of cat mammary tumors—another change also prevalent in human breast cancer.Similar genetic parallels were observed across other cancer types,including those affecting blood,bone,lung,skin,gastrointestinal tract,and the central nervous system.

Researchers believe these shared genetic pathways could pave the way for new cross-species cancer therapies,offering hope for improved treatment in both veterinary and human oncology.