Q4: Feline CGP inquiry

Category: View Frequently Asked Questions

Feline CGP covers 16,653 genes using the latest feline reference genome (Fsa126), making it the most comprehensive genomic profiling solution currently available for both research and clinical use. Although the feline genome is less annotated than the canine genome, cats are genetically closer to humans, and our Feline CGP assay performs at a highly robust and reliable level, comparable to our Canine CGP.

Currently offered as an early-release beta product, Feline CGP has consistently identified putative pathogenic mutations and therapeutic targets in feline cancers. However, the use of certain drugs in cats remains an area of active exploration. We are therefore maintaining a soft launch until more dosing data become available.

We look forward to collaborating with you to advance our understanding and improve treatment options for feline patients. We invite you to submit challenging cases to help us explore new therapeutic possibilities and gather real-world data on drug use, all while ensuring the least harm to patients.

Sample requirement:

For now, we need both normal and tumor sample from the same cat. This is different from Canine CGP, where we only need tumor sample. Ultimately, Feline CGP will transition to tumor-only assay, same as Canine CGP

Tumor sample sources, same as for Canine CGP

  1. FFPE Scrolls (Preferred FFPE sample type): 10 FFPE scrolls, 10 microns thick, with tissue size >5 mm (0.5 cm) or surface area >25 mm2
  2. FFPE Slides (Only if FFPE scrolls unavailable): 10 unstained FFPE slides, 10 microns thick, with tissue size >5 mm or surface area >25 mm2
  3. FNA Slides: 5-10 stained or unstained slides with high cellularity and high neoplastic cell population
  4. Fresh Frozen Tissue (Ship with ice pack or dry ice): 2-3 small punch biopsies of the least necrotic and most representative tumor tissue, avoid gross normal as much as possible
  5. EDTA Blood (Ship with ice pack): 2 ml blood collected in EDTA tube, used for leukemia or as a normal control in other cancers
  6. Urine-based Slides: 5-10 stained or unstained slides with high cellularity and high neoplastic cell population
  7. Effusion-based Slides: 5-10 stained or unstained slides with high cellularity and high neoplastic cell population
  8. Bone marrow Slides: 5-10 stained or unstained slides with high cellularity and high neoplastic cell population

Normal sample sources

Normal samples are used as references to distinguish tumor-specific alterations. Please ensure that samples are collected from tissue or sites with no macro- or microscopic tumor involvement, ideally from an anatomically separate location to minimize the risk of tumor contamination.

  1. EDTA blood (1–2 mL): acceptable if the case is not leukemia or lymphoma.
  2. Fresh normal tissue: collected during surgery from a site far away from the tumor; freeze if not shipping immediately.
  3. Skin punch biopsy: from normal skin.
  4. FFPE block: of normal tissue.
  5. Cheek swab: acceptable if not an oral tumor. For swabs, rinse into saline, make slides, and confirm absence of tumor by in-house cytology.

Cost: $900 for clinicians (for two specimens; discounted to support data and insight generation.)

Registration and Request Feline CGP:

  1. Create an account at vetomicsanimalhealth.com/login
  2. Stay logged in to place your order
  3. Navigate to the “Order” section.
  4. Click “Order Canine CGP.”
  5. You will be directed to the order form.
  6. For Feline CGP, order the same way as Canine CGP, except:
    1. In Breed, select “OTHER”, enter “Feline: breed”. 
    1. In Diagnosis, select “OTHER”, enter “Feline: diagnosis