Animals

New Cancer Drug Helps Pet Cats—and Could Save Human Lives Too

Good News Post

Aug 31, 2025 — 2 min read

Jak during the trial - CREDIT Tina T - Image supplied Cell Press

By Science Correspondent

A new cancer treatment has shown early promise in pet cats—and it might help humans too.

Researchers in the U.S. have completed the first-ever clinical trial of a new drug for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a type of cancer that’s very hard to treat in both cats and humans.

The study, published on August 28 in Cancer Cell, showed that 35% of cats who received the treatment responded well, with minimal side effects.

The drug is the first to target a protein called STAT3, which plays a big role in many types of cancer. Scientists believe this could lead to new treatments for humans, especially for head and neck cancers.

Jak laying in the sun - CREDIT Tina T - Image supplied Cell Press

One cat who took part in the trial was Jak, a 9-year-old black shorthair.

When he was diagnosed with cancer, his vet gave him just a few weeks to live. But after joining the study, Jak lived more than 8 months—long enough to enjoy one last Christmas with his family.

“It was meaningful to us because he was here in our lives,” said his owner, Tina Thomas.

Jak during his favorite time of year - CREDIT Tina T - Image supplied Cell Press

Of the 20 cats in the trial, 7 showed improvement or stable disease, with most living several months longer than expected. The drug worked by blocking STAT3 and boosting the body’s immune response to the cancer.

The idea for the trial came when one of the researchers, Dr. Jennifer Grandis, learned from her veterinarian sister that cats suffer from cancers very similar to those in humans.

“This shows that trials in pets can be more helpful than tests in lab mice,” said Dr. Daniel Johnson, one of the lead scientists. “Cats live in the same environment as us, and their cancers are more like ours.”

The team hopes this discovery will speed up new treatments for both animals and people.

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