The lines between human and animal health are blurring, and cancer research is leading the way. A Spanish veterinarian’s groundbreaking work is proving that studying cancer in pets-particularly dogs-can unlock vital clues for treating the disease in people, offering a fresh outlook on a global health crisis.
Silvia Guil Luna, a professor of Comparative Pathological Anatomy at the university of Córdoba’s faculty of Veterinary Medicine and a researcher at the Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), recently received recognition from the Spanish association Against Cancer for her innovative approach. “My passion for animals was what made me lean towards Veterinary Medicine, a choice that I have never regretted,” she says.
A Two-Way Street in Cancer Understanding
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guil’s research, which began with canine breast tumors as models for human breast cancer during her doctoral thesis, highlights the surprising similarities in how cancer develops across species.”Veterinary oncology is a very valuable model to better understand the evolution of cancer, identify new biomarkers, and test new therapies,” Guil notes.”We have access to large volumes of clinical and molecular data,” Guil notes.
Liquid biopsies-analyzing tumor DNA from a simple blood sample-are also becoming increasingly critically important in both human and veterinary medicine. “From a simple blood sample it allows obtaining very valuable information about the tumor, in the same way as in human oncology,” Guil says. This non-invasive technique offers a less stressful way to monitor cancer progression and treatment response.
Sterilization, Sterilization, Sterilization and the Microbiome
Guil also addressed common questions about pet health.Scientific evidence shows that sterilization significantly reduces the risk of breast tumors in dogs, particularly when performed before their first heat cycle. Though, she cautions against a blanket approach, emphasizing the need for individualized veterinary assessments considering breed and age.
The role of the microbiome-the community of microorganisms living in our bodies-is another area of growing interest. Alterations in its composition can influence the tumor microenvironment and response to treatment, making it a promising avenue for research in both human and veterinary oncology. “The set of microorganisms that live in our body plays a key role in health and in the progress of many pathologies,including cancer,” she explains.
Funding and the Future of Comparative Oncology
Despite the potential,veterinary research often faces funding limitations compared to human medicine. Guil acknowledges this challenge but remains optimistic, noting increasing recognition of veterinary research’s translational benefits. “There is increasing awareness about the importance of veterinary research, especially because of its translational potential, which can benefit both animals and humans.”
Looking ahead, Guil hopes comparative oncology will gain wider acceptance as a vital pathway to advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment for all. “The veterinarians We should be proud of our profession because we contribute not only to the health of animals, but also to the health and well-being of society in general.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can treatments developed for humans be used in animals?
- While many oncological drugs originate in human medicine, they must be adapted for each species to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.
- Are natural therapies a viable option to conventional cancer treatments?
- Natural therapies may offer supportive benefits, but should not replace conventional treatments. They can be used as complementary medicine under veterinary supervision.
- How do pets contribute to understanding environmental factors in cancer?
- Pets live in the same habitat as humans and are exposed to the same factors, making them “true sentinels of our health” for studying environmental influences on cancer development.
