A new scientific study has identified a new molecular biomarker that could help doctors detect aggressive early-stage bladder cancer, such as high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), in both dogs and humans. This discovery advances our knowledge of how aggressive bladder cancer behaves in both species. The finding also establishes the foundations for innovative methods to detect and treat it earlier and more effectively, as the new molecular marker protein (called integrin α5β1) acts like a red flag for aggressive tumours.
Dog and human bladder cancer have more than one thing in common
Bladder cancer affects both humans and dogs with similar clinical characteristics, including shared genetic mutations and treatment responses. Canine urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma or TCC) is the most common cancer of the urinary tract in dogs, most frequently affecting the bladder. This cancer mirrors the human form so closely that researchers are now calling it a powerful comparative model, which is more reflective of human pathology - one that may mimic the disease in people more accurately than rodent models commonly used in laboratories. Dogs not only develop the disease spontaneously but also share with humans common tumour targets and even similar intestinal and urinary microbiomes.
According to Professor Davide Danilo Zani, Veterinary Researcher from the University of Milan: “Dogs develop cancer in ways that are very similar to humans, even at the molecular level. Because they age faster, we can observe the natural course of the cancer and evaluate the effects of treatments in a shorter time frame. This makes them excellent models for studying new therapies in cases of spontaneous illness, without any having to artificially create the disease in the lab. At the same time, their close contact with human environments - sharing the same air, water, and exposure to pollutants - makes them powerful detectors, revealing the health risks we may face.”
A biomarker of aggressive tumours
The research team of PHIRE used a combination of microscopic study of tissues and their structure and molecular techniques to identify and demonstrate that integrin α5β1 expression is strongly correlated with tumour aggressiveness. This makes the integrin α5β1 a reliable indicator of high-risk cases of cancer that are more likely to progress or relapse. This discovery may help clinicians distinguish between patients who need intensive monitoring and treatment, and those who do not. This would reduce both the burden on healthcare systems and the impact on patients’ quality of life. As Dr Massimo Alfano, PHIRE Project Coordinator and Scientist Group Leader at the San Raffaele Hospital of Milan, explains: “Now that we've identified the integrin α5β1 as a biomarker, we can use it as a target. We can develop specific molecules that bind to this marker. This can be used to deliver drugs or substances that make tumours easier to see in scans (contrast agents) directly to cancer cells. In the context of PHIRE, this discovery is crucial because we can use it to deliver contrast agents for early diagnostic imaging or attach therapeutic molecules for targeted treatment. On top of that, this approach minimises side effects and enables both more accurate diagnostics and more effective therapies.”
By pinpointing this highly specific biomarker shared across species, this discovery strengthens collaboration between human and veterinary medicine in the fight against bladder cancer. This not only promises faster innovation for human treatments, by studying naturally occurring cases in dogs, but also improved care and outcomes for our four-legged companions.
Audio series
Listen to Dr Massimo Alfano and Prof Davide Danilo Zani explain their discovery about the new biomarker and the advantages for both human and dog health research: https://www.phire-project.eu/interviews/
Read the scientific paper published in Frontiers
Lucianò R, Colecchia M, Sanvito F, et al. High-grade non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma in dogs and humans share specific expression of integrin α5β1. Front Oncol 2025;15:1590073. https://www.phire-project.eu/resources/scientificpaper-frontiers-in-oncology/
Upcoming webinar | Wednesday 15 October
The PHIRE team is organising a webinar with two other EU-funded projects: PANCAIM, and PANCAID. The webinar, Approaches to early cancer diagnosis and the impact of artificial intelligence in oncology, will present different approaches to improving early diagnosis through biotechnology and artificial intelligence in pancreatic and bladder cancer. Through different strategies, the three projects share a common goal: making cancer detection faster, more accurate, and more personalised. Registrations are open: https://www.phire-project.eu/webinar-approaches-to-early-cancer-diagnosis-and-the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-in-oncology-october-15/
