Monday, May 21, 2012

Intra-tumour heterogeneity

A very profound review on the subject. Highly recommended for those who work in oncology field and will understand the dynamics of cancer development. One of the conclusions:


Tumour cell phenotypes are the result of the integration of inputs from genotype, environmental stimuli and stochastic processes that occur within cells. Genetic and epigenetic changes that arise during oncogenic transformation and tumour progression alter and diversify cellular phenotypes, posing a major obstacle to the understanding and clinical management of cancers. We suggest that the phenomenon of intra-tumour phenotypic heterogeneity, especially aspects that are related to clonal diversity, deserves to be recognized and accounted for during the analysis of primary tumours, building of experimental models and design of therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, because  tumours contain phenotypically distinct populations of both tumour and stromal cells that interact in a dynamic and reciprocal manner, these interactions are likely to result in the emergence of networks of interactions the properties of which can be understood from an ecological perspective.

Yes, personalized medicine in oncology is dead

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