Cat tumour genomes reveal links with human breast cancer
Feb 23rd 2026
Scientists sequenced tumours from nearly 500 pet cats and found shared genetic drivers with human cancers, creating a public resource that could guide future treatments for both species.
- Researchers sequenced tumours and healthy tissue from almost 500 pet cats across five countries and 13 cancer types.
- They screened about 1,000 human cancer associated genes and released the dataset as a public resource for comparative research.
- Feline mammary carcinoma commonly carried FBXW7 mutations in over 50% of tumours and PIK3CA changes in 47%, mirroring drivers seen in human breast cancer.
- Drug tests on cultured cat mammary tumours showed some chemotherapies were more effective on FBXW7 mutant samples, but this was not a clinical trial.
- Authors say the findings support a One Medicine approach that could speed translational research between veterinary and human cancer treatment.