Interpreting cancer genetics through a two-step "evolutionary cascade hypothesis": bridging neutral and selective
Alessandro Ottaiano1, Mariachiara Santorsola2, Francesco Sabbatino3
1Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli, IRCCS "G. Pascale", Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy. a.ottaiano@istitutotumori.na.it.
Journal of Translational Medicine
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Cancer progression is driven by DNA mutations, which can trigger an "evolutionary cascade hypothesis." This framework explains the shift from neutral to Darwinian evolution, impacting tumor survival and growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA mutations are central to cancer initiation and progression.
- Mutations arise from both internal biological processes and external environmental factors.
- Understanding mutation drivers is key to comprehending cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary dynamics governing tumor progression.
- To propose the
Main Methods:
- Examining cancer through the lens of evolutionary processes.
- Hypothesizing an
- Main_Results
- Conclusions
Main Results:
- The accumulation of mutations can activate an evolutionary switch in tumor cells.
- This switch enhances tumor cells' capacity for survival, adaptation, and growth.
- Failure of DNA repair mechanisms marks a critical transition in cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- The
- Cancer treatment may evolve to target underlying evolutionary mechanisms rather than individual mutations.
- Advancements in genomic data and AI will refine predictive models of tumor evolution.
- This paradigm shift holds potential to redefine therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.
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