Clonal evolution in cancer

M Greaves, CC Maley - Nature, 2012 - nature.com
M Greaves, CC Maley
Nature, 2012nature.com
Cancers evolve by a reiterative process of clonal expansion, genetic diversification and
clonal selection within the adaptive landscapes of tissue ecosystems. The dynamics are
complex, with highly variable patterns of genetic diversity and resulting clonal architecture.
Therapeutic intervention may destroy cancer clones and erode their habitats, but it can also
inadvertently provide a potent selective pressure for the expansion of resistant variants. The
inherently Darwinian character of cancer is the primary reason for this therapeutic failure, but …
Abstract
Cancers evolve by a reiterative process of clonal expansion, genetic diversification and clonal selection within the adaptive landscapes of tissue ecosystems. The dynamics are complex, with highly variable patterns of genetic diversity and resulting clonal architecture. Therapeutic intervention may destroy cancer clones and erode their habitats, but it can also inadvertently provide a potent selective pressure for the expansion of resistant variants. The inherently Darwinian character of cancer is the primary reason for this therapeutic failure, but it may also hold the key to more effective control.
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