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Human anti-cancer drugs could help Tasmanian devils
Tasmanian devils are considered endangered as a result of devil facial tumour 1.
RTKs have ‘an important role’ in sustaining transmissible cancers

Key drugs used to treat cancer in humans may also be useful in the fight against transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils.

This is according to a new study by the University of Cambridge, which found that certain drugs used in humans were able to efficiently stop the growth of devil cancer cells in the lab.

The research, published in the journal Cancer Cell, shows that molecules known as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) have an important role to play in sustaining the growth and survival of transmissible cancers in devils. Drugs targeting RTKs have already been developed for human cancers.

Tasmanian devils are considered endangered as a result of devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1), which is passed between animals through biting and causes disfiguring facial tumours. Usually fatal, DFT1 has spread throughout Tasmania since it was first seen in 1996, causing significant declines in devil populations.

Routine diagnostic screening in 2014 uncovered a second transmissible cancer in the species. With the naked eye, facial tumours caused by devil facial tumour 2 (DFT2) cannot be distinguished from those caused by DFT1, but analysis has shown they differ at a biological level.

Cambridge researchers found striking similarities between the two cancer types; in terms of genetics, tissues of origin, the way in which the cancer cells mutate and possible drug targets.

First author Dr Elizabeth Murchison said: “The story of Tasmanian devils in recent years has been a very concerning one. This study gives us optimism that anti-cancer drugs that are already in use in humans may offer a chance to assist with conservation efforts for this iconic animal.”

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk