Prof. Amanda McCann is a cancer biologist in the UCD Conway Institute, is spearheading comparative oncology research in UCD. This exciting emerging area of research draws on what scientists know about naturally occurring cancers in animals as well as the general studies of cancer biology and therapy in humans.

Prof. McCann’s group is interested in finding biomarkers of cancer in blood. They are focused on a particular component of blood called exosomes, which are tiny particles released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. Exosomes have been found in biological fluids of humans, domestic cats and dogs and are potential biomarkers of disease.

In addition to their role as biomarkers, exosomes are known to be involved in the development of certain diseases, including cancer. The group want to use exosomes to develop a ‘liquid biopsy’ that can provide information to help with the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cancer.

The team have looked at exosome biology in triple negative breast cancer and the potential benefits of comparative research in naturally occurring breast tumours in companion animals. They recently published a review of research in this area in the scientific journal, BBA Reviews on Cancer.