Fish Oncology: Diseases, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Oncology
• Environmental Toxicology

Background:

• Spontaneous fish neoplasms are documented, but ornamental fish oncology is underdeveloped.
• Fish tumors are linked to viruses and environmental factors, serving as bioindicators.
• Fish models, including zebrafish, are used for human carcinogenesis research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing knowledge on fish oncology for veterinary clinicians.
• To highlight the potential of ornamental fish as models in oncology.
• To bridge the gap between general fish neoplasm research and ornamental species.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on fish neoplasms.
• Analysis of studies on oncogenic viruses and environmental carcinogens in fish.
• Examination of research utilizing fish models for human cancer.

Main Results:

• Significant data exists on fish neoplasms, but ornamental species are understudied.
• Environmental contaminants and oncogenic viruses are key factors in fish tumor development.
• Zebrafish and other fish models offer insights applicable to ornamental fish oncology.

Conclusions:

• Ornamental fish oncology is an emerging field with diagnostic and research potential.
• Further studies are needed to fully apply knowledge from human carcinogenesis models to ornamental fish.
• This review provides a foundation for veterinary clinicians to understand fish oncology.