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Classifying the evolutionary and ecological features of neoplasms
Carlo C Maley1, Athena Aktipis2, Trevor A Graham3
1Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA.
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|September 16, 2017
Summary
Cancer evolution and ecology are key to tumor progression. A new framework uses an evolutionary index (Evo-index) and ecological index (Eco-index) to classify tumors for personalized treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cancer Biology
- Evolutionary Medicine
- Tumor Microenvironment
Background:
- Neoplasms evolve via genetic/epigenetic alterations, influenced by microenvironment ecology.
- Current classification lacks distinctions in tumor evolutionary dynamics.
- Recognizes the critical roles of cancer evolution and ecology in tumor progression.
Framework:
- Proposes a novel tumor classification system based on expert consensus.
- Introduces an evolutionary index (Evo-index) measuring neoplastic cell diversity and its changes over time.
- Introduces an ecological index (Eco-index) assessing hazards and resources within the tumor microenvironment.
Implementation:
- Reviews evidence supporting the importance of each index component.
- Describes multiple methodologies for measuring Evo-index and Eco-index factors.
- Highlights the potential for measuring intratumoral heterogeneity and microenvironmental factors.
Implications:
- Enables personalized cancer interventions based on tumor evolvability.
- Establishes a common lexicon for discussing neoplasm changes during treatment.
- Potential impact on clinical trials, personalized medicine, and fundamental cancer research.
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