Researchers build the world’s largest open-access database of dog and cat tumors, boasting over a million records. This groundbreaking resource aims to reshape how we understand the factors that drive cancer risk in pets.
The project is led by the University of Liverpool and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, bringing together specialists in veterinary pathology, epidemiology, data science, and clinical care. By partnering with veterinary diagnostic labs and employing advanced data extraction and standardization techniques, they have unified disparate diagnostic information into one cohesive database.
The sheer scale of the tumor registry (accessible at https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/savsnet.at.liverpool/viz/SAVSNETtumourregistry/frontpage) enables meaningful study of rare cancers and less-common breeds for the first time. Researchers around the world now have access to rich, standardized data that reveal cancer patterns hidden in fragmented reporting.
“This tumour registry marks a major milestone in our understanding of cancer risk in pets,” stated Professor David Killick.
He added, “Beyond more accurately identifying breed-specific risks for certain tumor types, early analyses hint at how neutering practices might influence cancer risks. The vast dataset also opens up opportunities to investigate the genetic underpinnings of these cancers.”
Jose Rodríguez Torres commented, “While analyzing cancer diagnoses is a well-established practice in human medicine, veterinary data analysis has lagged due to fragmentation. This study represents a significant forward leap. With data spanning over 200 breeds and more than 150 tumor types, researchers worldwide can now explore a wide array of breed–tumor pairings to better gauge cancer risk.”
The team intends to grow the registry by partnering with additional laboratories and continues to collect data in real time, broadening its scope and impact.
