Owning a cat has long been linked to reduced stress and emotional support, but new research suggests our feline companions may also provide insights into treating certain cancers in humans.
A study published in the journal Science found striking parallels between cancers in cats and humans, highlighting the potential of domestic cats as models for cancer research.
“Cats, like dogs, provide a great model for us,” said Louise van der Weyden, co-author and scientist at the British Wellcome Sanger Institute. “They share our environment, including exposure to pollutants like second-hand smoke, and often develop illnesses we see in humans, including cancer accompanied by conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.”
Building on this principle, an international research team analyzed nearly 500 tumor samples from domestic cats across five countries, covering 13 cancer types, including brain, breast, lung, and skin cancers.
Researchers examined the DNA of the tumors for genetic mutations already known to influence cancer in humans. Several key similarities emerged, particularly in breast cancer.
In over half of the feline mammary tumors studied, the gene FBXW7—known in human breast cancer—was mutated. While this mutation is rare in women, it is particularly aggressive when present, Van der Weyden explained, and behaves similarly in cats.
“This makes cats an excellent model for understanding the biology of this aggressive breast cancer mutation,” she said. For women affected by FBXW7 mutations, this discovery could open doors to new treatment approaches.
Because human clinical trials are challenging due to the limited number of patients with this mutation, cats could serve as a valuable testing ground. “I’d be more inclined to try a drug that works in cats than one that only works in mice,” Van der Weyden added with a smile.
Swiss researchers conducting follow-up experiments found two chemotherapy treatments were highly effective against tumors with the FBXW7 mutation. While further research is needed, these findings could benefit both humans and cats, as the drugs are already approved for veterinary and human use.
Professor Harikrishna Nakshatri of Indiana University, a breast cancer specialist, described the findings as “fascinating,” noting that the research could improve understanding of how genes interact with environmental factors, a key aspect of cancer development.
Van der Weyden emphasized the potential for a “win-win” scenario: “We’re genomically so similar, and our tumors are so alike. What we learn in one species can directly help the other.”
