Scientists have discovered that dogs and humans share the same genetic basis for certain cancers. 
Something in common: Genetic changes in dogs with specific blood and bone marrow cancers are virtually identical to genetic abnormalities in humans diagnosed with the same cancers
Photo: Rodolfo Clix
This research could help to develop better treatments for cancers that affect humans and animals.
US researchers found that genetic changes in dogs with specific blood and bone marrow cancers are virtually identical to genetic abnormalities in humans diagnosed with the same cancers. Many modern dog breeds have developed recently, using restricted gene pools. This selective breeding has made some types of dog more susceptible to certain cancers, and it has also preserved a breed's genetics, allowing researchers to compare the genomes and study genetic changes associated with cancer.
Dr Jaime Modiano of the University of Minnesota and Dr Matthew Breen of North Carolina State University plan to use funding from the National Cancer Institute to pinpoint risk factors in certain dog breeds.
"Since we know now that dogs and humans seem to share a common pathogenetic basis for some cancers, we believe that studying dog cancers may allow us to identify cancer-associated genes more easily in dog populations than in human populations," said Dr Modiano.
The research was funded by the American Kennel club Canine Health Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
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