Cats could pave the way for more effective cancer therapy. In California, researchers tested a new drug for domestic cats for the first time that suffer from aggressive head-neck tumors. The animals developed similar clinical pictures as people and gave science as valuable information.
An active ingredient with a goal
The drug blocks the Stat3 factor that drives cancer cells. The growth of the tumors stopped with seven out of twenty cats. The animals lived for five months longer. Serious side effects failed to materialize. At the same time, the active ingredient activated the immune system by encouraging the protein PD-1-an approach that also pursues modern immunotherapies in humans.
A fate with a signal effect
The case of black hangover Jakiro is particularly moving. After the diagnosis, doctors only gave him a few weeks. Six infusions later improved his symptoms significantly, and he lived with his family for eight months.
Research with future
The results show that pets are more valuable for tumor research than laboratory meals. They live in the same environmental as humans and naturally develop creative types of cancer. This makes studies more realistic. Initial collaborations with a biotech company should further develop the medication. New hope could grow from it for cats and people.
She might also be interested:
- The 5 cancer risk factors in cats
- 10 signs of cancer in cats