A major international study has created the first large-scale genetic map of cancer in domestic cats, offering new insights that may benefit both veterinary and human medicine. Researchers analyzed tumor samples from nearly 500 cats across five countries and discovered that feline cancers share many of the same cancer-driving genes seen in humans and dogs, especially in cancers of the blood, bones, lungs, skin, and nervous system.
One of the most important findings involved the FBXW7 gene, which was mutated in more than half of feline mammary tumor cases. The same mutation is associated with poorer outcomes in human breast cancer, highlighting strong biological similarities between species.
Scientists also noted that cats live in the same environments as humans, meaning feline cancer studies could help researchers better understand how environmental exposures contribute to cancer risk. Laboratory testing further showed that some chemotherapy drugs work better against tumors carrying the FBXW7 mutation, raising hopes for more personalized treatments in cats.
The study supports the growing “One Medicine” approach, where discoveries in veterinary and human medicine are used together to accelerate cancer research and precision treatment development across species.