They may not be able to talk, but one researcher is suggesting dogs may be able to tell us why and how certain cancers develop.

Dr. Ali Mobasheri, an associate professor from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at The University of Nottingham in England, told a symposium in London Thursday that studying tumors in dogs and humans could give us a better understanding of their shared pathogenesis.

That, in turn, would lead to better treatments for both canine and human cancer patients, Mobasheri said.

The symposium was organized by the Colorado-based Morris Animal Foundation and is the first event of its kind to be held in Great Britain. As well as addressing the cause of canine cancer, it explored areas of translational cancer treatment research as cancer cures for dogs are now being successfully applied to humans, in particular children.

Cancer is the single biggest cause of death in dogs over the age of 2. 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 osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is common in greyhounds and rottweilers. It is also the sixth most common cancer seen in children.

Research into canine cancer is easier because of the dog's extensive pedigree information. Experts say 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. "That is because cancer is cancer. It is a similar disease in animals and humans."

Additional Resource:

• Morris Animal Foundation