UK Charity Launches Groundbreaking Cancer Study.
The pioneering study, announced by Humanimal Trust- the charity founded by orthopaedic-neuro veterinary surgeon Professor Noel Fitzpatrick - will tackle oronasal mucosal melanoma (OMM), a rare but highly aggressive cancer of the mouth and nose that behaves almost identically across species.
OMM is most common in humans and dogs, though it can also affect horses, cats and rabbits. Because it is often diagnosed at a late stage, treatment is extremely challenging. In people, the disease is more prevalent among those from ethnic minority backgrounds, with only around 15 per cent surviving five years after diagnosis.
In dogs, average survival is less than a year. Breeds such as poodles, golden retrievers, labradors, rottweilers, Yorkshire terriers, cocker spaniels, chow-chows, Scottish terriers and dachshunds are particularly at risk.
Treatment often involves complex surgery and may be combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
The £250,000 project will be led by a team of experts from the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian, including:
- Professor Kelly Blacklock – Professor of Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery
- Professor E. Elizabeth Patton – Chair of Functional and Translational Genomics
- Dr Mark Stares – Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology
Photo: Cancer Discovery Fund Project Team (from L to R): Professor Kelly Blacklock, Professor E. Elizabeth Patton and Dr Mark Stares
Together they will develop a gene-based laboratory test to analyse the genetic profile of each tumour. This will ultimately help doctors and vets identify the most effective treatment for every patient - human or dog.
Humanimal Trust is the only organisation in the UK dedicated solely to advancing One Medicine – the principle that medical progress should benefit humans and animals equally, without causing harm to either.
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick said: “This research project is a shining example of One Medicine in action: collaborative, inclusive science that embraces the biological connections we all share, rather than focusing on the differences. By breaking down the barriers between human and veterinary medicine, we can speed up progress for everyone – creating a future where no life is left behind.”
The Cancer Discovery Fund was announced in November 2024, with applications reviewed by the Trust’s expert Science Committee of leading human and animal health professionals, academics and researchers from around the world.
Professor Kelly Blacklock said: “This research builds on work made possible by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, whose support has been pivotal in advancing our understanding of comparative oncology. With the backing of Humanimal Trust, we are now in a position to take this work further, which has the potential to directly benefit both dogs and people.”
This project marks a major milestone in the charity’s mission to make medical research fairer, faster and more collaborative for all species - advancing knowledge through the study of naturally occurring disease, rather than relying on experimental models.
Joe Bailey, Humanimal Trust CEO, said: “Cancer does not discriminate between species. Approximately one in four dogs, one in three cats, and as many as one in two humans will develop cancer during their lifetime. Thanks to our generous supporters, we’re able to fund this vital research that will advance our understanding of cancer in both humans and animals, ensuring all species benefit equally and simultaneously, something we call reciprocity.
“We rely entirely on public donations to fund our work, so this project simply wouldn’t have been possible without our supporters’ belief in One Medicine. There are many ways to join the One Medicine movement, from signing the Humanimal Trust Pledge or leaving a gift in your Will, to making a monthly donation or taking on a fundraising challenge.”
For more information or to get involved, visit www.humanimaltrust.org.uk
Other relevant sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468785522000325
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