TP53 gene and cancer resistance in elephants

Abstract

To the Editor: The study by Dr Abegglen and colleagues affirmed the Peto paradox and suggested that elephants are cancer resistant by virtue of multiple TP53 gene copies and enhanced responses to DNA damage. This study epitomizes a “One Health” approach to solving important disease problems shared by humans and animals. However, from our experience working in a large zoo-based , we were surprised by the results because, unlike in the notoriously cancer-resistant naked mole rats, we have diagnosed cancers in several elephants.