Cancer cures could work for dogs, humans

NOTTINGHAM, England, July 16 (UPI) -- A University of Nottingham researcher says studying tumors in dogs and humans could give a better understanding of their shared pathogenesis.

Dr. Ali Mobasheri, of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, says the incidence of bone cancers, skin cancers and lymphomas is increasing in humans and dogs and there are significant similarities between certain types of human and canine cancer -- such as breast and prostate cancer.

Certain breeds of dog are known to develop certain types of cancer, for instance bone cancer is common in the greyhound and the rottweiler and is the sixth most common cancer seen in children.

Research into canine cancer is easier because of the dog's extensive pedigree information and this could be crucial in identifying the underlying genetic causes of cancer in dogs and humans and finding treatments that could be to the benefit of both.

"The benefits of taking a comparative approach to cancer research will be of mutual benefit to humans and companion animals," Mobasheri said in a statement.

"That is because cancer is cancer. It is a similar disease in animals and humans."