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Sarah Billings and Virginia Hayssen, PhD, Department of Biology, Smith College, 44 College Lane, Northampton, MA 01063
Mammary cancer is common in most mammals, but extremely rare in ungulates, which are mammals with hooves. Here we present a meta-data analysis and the first tabulation of available case studies of the disease in ungulates in order to examine three current theories regarding the observed low incidence of mammary cancer in these species. The hypotheses include: 1) hormone levels from frequent pregnancies prevent mammary cancer in ungulates; 2) the ungulate herbivorous diet and microbial digestion offer protection; or 3) a genetic factor shields ungulates from mammary cancer. Our analysis suggests that genetic factors are the most plausible cause of the low rates of mammary cancer in ungulates and does not support the hormone hypothesis. Direct or indirect effects of the intestinal microbiome cannot be excluded and require further research. Finally, we tabulate all of the well documented primary and secondary case studies of ungulates with malignant mammary neoplasia in order to serve as a jumping-off point for future research. This comparative oncology analysis, illuminating factors that may lower the frequency of mammary cancer in ungulates, could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the disease in other mammals and might uncover novel therapeutic approaches.
Presenter: Sarah Billings
Institution: Smith College
Type: Poster
Subject: Biology
Status: Approved
