Abstract: The intersection of microbiome health and cancer treatment has taken a major step forward with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) launching Europe’s first dedicated Veterinary Oncobiome Bank. While the connection between gut microorganisms and cancer treatment response is heavily researched in human medicine, it remains an untapped frontier for companion animals. Supported by the RVC Animal Care Trust, this new repository will collect and store residual fecal, plasma, and serum samples from canine and feline cancer patients at the time of their diagnosis. By creating a centralized infrastructure, the initiative aims to bridge the data gap in veterinary oncology and uncover how the microscopic world inside our pets impacts their systemic health.
The long-term impact of this bank extends well beyond standard sample storage, serving as a catalyst for advanced multi-omics comparative research. Researchers plan to use these biobanked assets to fuel deep DNA, RNA, and metabolomic studies that investigate how various cancers and treatments actively alter the gut microbiome. Additionally, because canine and feline malignancies share strong biological profiles with human cancers, the insights gained from this project could directly inform human comparative oncology. By looking into how these microbial ecosystems govern therapeutic response, recovery, and disease progression, the RVC is laying the foundation for a future where personalized dietary changes, targeted probiotics, and microbiome transplants become a standard part of cancer care for pets and humans alike.
