A recent study has revealed that dog and human cancers have more similarities than previously thought, potentially leading to faster and more effective cancer treatments for both species. The study, published in the journal Nature, analyzed a massive new genetic database of canine tumors and found that some of the genes in dog tumors closely resemble those found in human tumors.
The database, which contains genetic information from over 671 dogs, aims to use this genetic similarity to develop better treatments for both humans and dogs. One World Health, in partnership with the University of Georgia, conducted the study and plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the genetic information and identify the most effective treatment based on a dog’s tumor type.
Dogs have long been recognized as valuable test subjects for cancer research. Unlike other animals, such as mice, dogs are more genetically complex and their tumors more closely mimic human cancers. This is why authorities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have encouraged more clinical trials involving dogs. Animal studies, including those conducted on mice, have a failure rate of 95% in developing effective cancer therapies.
The exciting aspect of the genetic similarity between dog and human cancers is that the overlapping genes are already the focus of scientific research for treatment. This means that lessons learned from human cancer research can be applied to dogs and vice versa.
The potential of this genetic similarity has already been demonstrated in the lab. One World Health’s AI-assisted platform, called FidoCure, tested a drug called Eribulin in partnership with pharmaceutical company Eisai. By selecting dogs with a type of cancer that genetically mirrored human breast cancer, FidoCure treated them with Eribulin. The dogs in the study survived over 120 days, which prompted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to initiate trials of the drug in human patients.
Dr. Gerald Post, a veterinary oncologist and Chief Medical Officer for FidoCure, emphasized the significance of this work. He described it as a major breakthrough, as it facilitates the exchange of information between the animal and human worlds, expediting the drug development process.
The findings of the study highlight the potential of using dogs as key allies in the fight against cancer. With their genetic similarity to humans, dogs can serve as reliable models for testing cancer treatments, increasing the chances of developing effective therapies for both species. The use of AI, as demonstrated by FidoCure, further enhances the efficiency and accuracy of this approach.
This research not only offers hope for better treatment options for our furry companions but also holds promise for advancing human cancer care. By recognizing the shared genetic characteristics between dogs and humans, scientists can accelerate the development of innovative and life-saving cancer therapies for all.
