Researchers at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine are mapping the genetic secrets behind fibrosarcoma, one of the most common cancers affecting cats. This work could transform how veterinarians diagnose and treat the disease.
Fibrosarcomas develop in a cat’s connective tissue and come in two main types. Injection-site sarcomas can appear months or even years after a vaccination or injection. They tend to grow aggressively and require extensive surgery. Non-injection-site fibrosarcomas are often less aggressive and easier to treat. The challenge? They look nearly identical under the microscope, making it difficult for veterinarians to determine the best treatment approach.
Drs. Matthew Breen and Rachael Thomas are identifying the specific genetic mutations that drive the tumors. By pinpointing which genes are altered in these cancers, they are uncovering new treatment targets and developing better ways to distinguish between the two types. This means more precise treatment plans and better outcomes for cats diagnosed with fibrosarcoma.
The research is funded by EveryCat Health Foundation through support from the Doris Day and Terry Melcher Foundation. The findings may also help other animals — and potentially humans — who develop similar tumors.
Source: https://news.cvm.ncsu.edu/
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