Cats share approximately 90% of their DNA with humans—a higher percentage of genetic similarity than dogs, which share roughly 84%, according to van der Weyden.2
Parallels across mammary, lung, and other cancers
The parallels extended across multiple tumor types. In feline mammary cancers, FBXW7 was mutated in more than 50% of cases. A mutation of that same gene is also observed in human breast cancers.2
Researchers also found that FBXW7-mutant tumors showed sensitivity to vinca alkaloids, a class of chemotherapy drugs already in clinical use in both human and veterinary medicine, suggesting a potential avenue for treatment trials.1,2
In feline lung carcinoma, TP53 was mutated in approximately 40% of cases, which is comparable to the approximately 50% mutation rate seen in human non-small cell lung carcinomas.
Feline pancreatic carcinomas showed recurrent mutations in CTNNB1, echoing what has been seen in the acinar cell subtype of pancreatic carcinoma in humans.2 In cutaneous mast cell tumors, KIT mutations were identified in 41% of cases, most commonly in exons 8 and 9. That same pattern has also been reported in pediatric mastocytosis, including cutaneous forms.1.2
A foundation for targeted therapy
The findings carry strong implications for veterinary oncology. Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in domestic cats. Yet, until now, the genetics driving those tumors were poorly understood.
“In this era of precision medicine, where targeted therapies are the treatment of choice for cancer treatment in humans, there were no targeted therapies available for cats,” van der Weyden said.2 “However, you can’t develop targeted therapies if you don’t have knowledge of the mutated genes driving the cancer’s initiation and progression.”
Before this research, only three next-generation sequencing studies had been conducted on feline cancers, all involving small sample sizes and single tumor types, according to van der Weyden.2 The new dataset represents a broader effort, one the authors say confirms “the cat as a valuable model for comparative studies” and gives veterinary oncologists and researchers a reference point, consistent with a One Medicine approach.1,2
References
- Francis BA, Ludwig L, He C, et al. The oncogenome of the domestic cat. Science. 2026;391(6787):793-799. doi: 10.1126/science.ady6651
- Won C. Study finds similarities in genes that drive cancer in cats, humans. American Veterinary Medical Association. April 17, 2026. Accessed April 21, 2026. https://www.avma.org/news/study-finds-similarities-genes-drive-cancer-cats-humans
