The causes and consequences of genetic heterogeneity in cancer evolution
Ces deux articles passent en revue les travaux récents sur le rôle de l'hétérogénéité génétique (entre tumeurs et à l'intérieur d'une tumeur) dans l'évolution d'un cancer
Recent studies have revealed extensive genetic diversity both between and within tumours. This heterogeneity affects key cancer pathways, driving phenotypic variation, and poses a significant challenge to personalized cancer medicine. A major cause of genetic heterogeneity in cancer is genomic instability. This instability leads to an increased mutation rate and can shape the evolution of the cancer genome through a plethora of mechanisms. By understanding these mechanisms we can gain insight into the common pathways of tumour evolution that could support the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Nature , article en libre accès, 2012