Colorectal Neoplasia in Canine and Human Systems

Colorectal neoplasia encompasses a spectrum of epithelial and mesenchymal tumours arising within the colon and rectum of both dogs and humans. In each species, the adenoma–carcinoma sequence is a central paradigm, whereby benign polyps or adenomas acquire genetic and epigenetic alterations that drive malignant transformation into adenocarcinomas. Comparative studies reveal shared molecular pathways—most notably dysregulation of the WNT/β-catenin cascade, recurrent mutations in tumour suppressors such as APC and TP53, and activation of TGF-β signalling in invasive subtypes. In canines, spontaneous tumours in pet dogs offer an invaluable model for human colorectal cancer, reflecting analogous invasion patterns—including collective, crypt-like and epithelial–mesenchymal transition modes—and similar stromal reactions. Breed-specific hereditary syndromes, exemplified by germline APC variants in Jack Russell terriers, further illuminate the interplay of inherited risk and somatic progression. Clinically, staging relies increasingly on advanced imaging, while immunohistochemical profiling of markers such as β-catenin, Ki67 and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes informs prognosis and therapeutic stratification. Transcriptomic and biomarker studies in dogs are now providing novel diagnostic and prognostic candidates with potential applicability to human oncology. Together, these investigations underscore the global significance of a One Health approach to colorectal neoplasia, fostering translational insights and informing patient management across species.

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Colorectal Neoplasia in Canine and Human Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in colorectal neoplasia in canine and human systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Colorectal neoplasia: Tumour formation within the colon or rectum, ranging from benign polyps to malignant adenocarcinomas.

Adenoma–carcinoma sequence: The stepwise progression by which benign epithelial growths acquire mutations that culminate in invasive carcinoma.

WNT/β-catenin pathway: A signalling cascade that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation; its dysregulation is central to colorectal tumourigenesis.

Germline variant: An inherited genetic alteration present in all cells, predisposing carriers to disease such as hereditary polyposis.

Transcriptome analysis: Comprehensive profiling of RNA expression levels to identify genes and pathways involved in normal and diseased states.

References

1. Proliferative and Invasive Colorectal Tumors in Pet Dogs Provide Unique Insights into Human Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (2018).
2. Immunohistochemical expression of β-catenin, Ki67, CD3 and CD18 in canine colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas. BMC Veterinary Research (2021).
3. Transcriptome analysis of the adenoma–carcinoma sequences identifies novel biomarkers associated with development of canine colorectal cancer. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2023).
4. Role of CT in the Staging of Colorectal Tumors: A Preliminary Study on 10 Dogs. Animals (2024).
5. Molecular epidemiological study of germline APC variant associated with hereditary gastrointestinal polyposis in dogs: current frequency in Jack Russell Terriers in Japan and breed distribution. BMC Veterinary Research (2022).