Neoplasms are microcosms of evolution. Within a neoplasm, a mosaic of mutant cells
compete for space and resources, evade predation by the immune system and can even
cooperate to disperse and colonize new organs. The evolution of neoplastic cells explains
both why we get cancer and why it has been so difficult to cure. The tools of evolutionary
biology and ecology are providing new insights into neoplastic progression and the clinical
control of cancer.