Variation in natural infection outcomes and cancer cell release from soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria) with bivalve transmissible neoplasia.

ABSTRACT: Bivalve transmissible neoplasias (BTNs) are leukemia-like cancers found in at least 10 bivalve species, in which the cancer cells themselves transfer from one individual to another, spreading as an unusual form of infectious disease. Before the infectious etiology was known, there were reports of lethality and outbreaks of cancer in the soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria) on the east coast of North America. Using sensitive and specific qPCR assays, we followed the outcomes of BTN in naturally-infected soft-shell clams from Maine, USA. We observed variable outcomes, with about half of clams (9/21) progressing to high levels of cancer and death, about half exhibiting long-term non-progression (11/21), and a single animal showing regression of cancer. We also observe a significant decrease in surv

SUBMITTER: Giersch RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12503300 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature