EC26S-078: Comprehensive mutational profiling of feline sinonasal carcinoma

Sinonasal tumours are those that arise in the space behind the nose (nasal cavity) and sinuses, and one of the most common types is sinonasal carcinoma (SNC). In cats, these are very aggressive tumours and even with the radiotherapy/chemotherapy, most cases result in progression of the disease within a year. Thus, more treatment options are needed. Targeted therapy approaches, now used in human cancer, are only possible if we have knowledge of the mutations driving the tumour. Sadly, there have been no genetic investigations into SNC in cats, and there is no knowledge as to what might be causing these tumours to form. In humans, SNC is known to arise from exposure to certain chemicals/irritants, and it has been suggested the same phenomenon may exist in dogs.
Thus, we propose to sequence DNA from 50 cats with SNC, both tumour and ‘healthy’ tissue. This will allow us to determine the full picture of mutations present in the tumours and determine which mutations are ‘driving’ the tumour. We can also look for the presence of viral DNA or ‘mutational footprints’ of chemicals/irritants, thereby suggesting possible causes of tumour formation. Sequencing of healthy tissue allows us to determine if there are any germline mutations (i.e., those present in every cell of the body) that may have predisposed the cat to developing a SNC. Finally, comparison of the genetics of feline SNC with that seen in human SNC will be a powerful way to learn more about the disease, and benefit both species. (Cancer/Oncology Fund) (EveryCat General Fund)