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Updated: May 6, 2026

Generation of Heterogeneous Drug Gradients Across Cancer Populations on a Microfluidic Evolution Accelerator for Real-Time Observation
Published on: September 19, 2019
Life history trade-offs in cancer evolution
C Athena Aktipis1, Amy M Boddy, Robert A Gatenby
11] Center for Evolution and Cancer and the Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 2340 Sutter Street, BOX 1351, San Francisco, California 94143-1351, USA. [2] Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, PO Box 871104, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1104, USA.
Abstract:
Somatic evolution during cancer progression and therapy results in tumour cells that show a wide range of phenotypes, which include rapid proliferation and quiescence. Evolutionary life history theory may help us to understand the diversity of these phenotypes. Fast life history organisms reproduce rapidly, whereas those with slow life histories show less fecundity and invest more resources in survival. Life history theory also provides an evolutionary framework for phenotypic plasticity, which has potential implications for understanding 'cancer stem cells'. Life history theory suggests that different therapy dosing schedules might select for fast or slow life history cell phenotypes, with important clinical consequences.
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