PIK3CA mutations matter for cancer in dogs

Cancer is a genetic disease that arises from the accumulation of genetic mutations within a cell. Mutations in PIK3CA gene are frequently observed in human solid cancers, and also appear to occur in canine tumors. Specifically, recurrent somatic PIK3CA variants identified in canine mammary tumors and hemangiosarcomas are comparable to human hotspot mutations such as H1047R. PIK3CA mutations found in canine tumors encode functional proteins that may alter downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, PI3K inhibitors have potential in cancer therapy for dogs. This article concisely reviews the emerging evidence concerning the genetic and molecular properties of PIK3CA mutations to discuss future perspectives in veterinary and comparative oncology.