Cats may hold clues for human cancer treatment

"Cat cancer genetics has totally been a black box up until now."

— Dr Louise Van der Wayden , Academic

"This can help us understand more about why cancer develops in cats and humans, how the world around us influences cancer risk, and possibly find new ways to prevent and treat it."

— Prof Geoffrey Wood , Academic

"This confirms that the domestic cat is not just a beloved pet, but a vital partner in the fight against cancer."

— Dr. Latasha Ludwig , Academic

"Among the attractive aspects of studying feline cancers to learn more about human cancers is that cats are exposed to similar environmental conditions as humans."

— Dr. Bruce Kornreich , Academic

"Cat cancer genetics has totally been a black box up until now."

— Dr Louise Van der Wayden , Academic

"This can help us understand more about why cancer develops in cats and humans."

— Prof Geoffrey Wood , Academic

"Despite domestic cats being common pets, there was very little known about the genetics of cancer in these animals, until now."

— Geoffrey Wood , Academic

"Knowledge of the genetic alterations driving the tumor are essential for decision-making for which targeted therapies to use."

— Louise van der Weyden , Academic

"Development of targeted therapies takes time. However, it is the first critical, essential step that is needed."

— Louise van der Weyden , Academic

"Our household pets share the same spaces as us, meaning that they are also exposed to the same environmental factors that we are."

— Geoffrey Wood , Academic

"By comparing cancer genomics across different species, we gain a greater understanding of what causes cancer."

— Bailey Francis , Academic

"This is one of the biggest ever developments in feline oncology and means the genetics of domestic cat tumors are no longer a ‘black box’."

— Louise van der Weyden , Academic