Brown bullhead catfish melanoma represents a novel transmissible cancer

TL;DR - Whole-genome sequencing of brown bullhead catfish tumours and matched healthy tissues identifies a naturally occurring transmissible cancer. This expands the known range of cancers capable of spreading between individuals.

• The study compares tumour genomes with matched non-tumour host tissue.
• Genomic evidence indicates the melanoma is a distinct transmissible cancer lineage.
• The finding provides a new model for studying cancer transmission and evolution in wildlife.