Biomarker in human and dog bladder Credit: PHIRE

Bladder cancer is a painful and often recurring disease, not just for humans, but for our canine companions as well. Urothelial carcinoma, the most common type of bladder cancer, affects both species in remarkably similar ways—from the genetics to the clinical progression. This shared burden also means a shared challenge: how to detect and treat the aggressive form of the disease that's responsible for most relapses.

We, the PHIRE consortium, have led a recent study finding a specific marker that could be the key to more effective and targeted therapies for both humans and dogs. The work is published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology.

The discovery of a new biomarker for cancer cells

For the first time, we have identified a specific protein called α5β1 integrin as a unique marker for early-stage bladder cancer cells—such as high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)—in both humans and dogs.

While the protein was completely absent in healthy or benign tissue, researchers found it expressed exclusively on malignant cells in 81% of human cases and every canine case they examined. This discovery is a game-changer for us. It acts as an indicator for the most dangerous form of the disease. Instead of treating the entire bladder, doctors could potentially use this marker to target only the cancerous cells.

The future of targeted therapy

This discovery opens the door to a new era of personalized medicine. The α5β1 integrin could serve two powerful purposes:

The remarkable similarity between high-grade bladder cancer in humans and dogs means that research in one species can directly benefit the other. By working together and sharing data between scientists, we can accelerate the development of better clinical strategies for both humans and their pets.

This new marker represents a sign of promise—a key that could unlock more effective ways to find and treat this disease, leading to better outcomes for everyone.

This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate.

More information: Roberta Lucianò et al, High-grade non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma in dogs and humans share specific expression of integrin α5β1, Frontiers in Oncology (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1590073

PHIRE aims at bringing closer to market a novel high-resolution theranostic medical device effective in the clinical applications for lesions <1 mm, ready for application in human bladder cancer and effective both in male and female patients. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.