One Health

Domestic cat may hold the key to understanding breast cancer

A study with participation from University of Bern shows genetic parallels between feline tumors and human cancers. This opens up new possibilities for targeted therapeutic approaches.

2026/02/20

IMMER
Domestic cat ‘Lanni’ from co-author of the study, Latasha Ludwig, Assistant Clinical Professor at Cornell University, USA. © Latasha Ludwig

An international research team, with participation of the University of Bern, has conducted the world's first comprehensive genetic study of cancer in domestic cats. The study shows that some of the genetic changes in cat tumors closely resemble those found in human cancers. These parallels open up new perspectives for developing targeted cancer therapies, particularly for breast cancer. 

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