Spatial structure governs the mode of tumour evolution.

ABSTRACT: Characterizing the mode-the way, manner or pattern-of evolution in tumours is important for clinical forecasting and optimizing cancer treatment. Sequencing studies have inferred various modes, including branching, punctuated and neutral evolution, but it is unclear why a particular pattern predominates in any given tumour. Here we propose that tumour architecture is key to explaining the variety of observed genetic patterns. We examine this hypothesis using spatially explicit population genetics models and demonstrate that, within biologically relevant parameter ranges, different spatial structures can generate four tumour evolutionary modes: rapid clonal expansion, progressive diversification, branching evolution and effectively almost neutral evolution. Quantitative indices for describi

SUBMITTER: Noble R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8825284 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature