A Physical Framework to Control Cancer Cell Heterogeneity and Plasticity
Abstract
We propose a physics-based framework in which cancer cell state is defined by position and velocity in a continuous space of directly measurable physical variables-cell surface area (S) and volume (V)-and motion through S-V space as an interpretable proxy for plasticity. Therapy generates S-V vector fields that govern trajectories, enabling the design of drug combinations to steer heterogeneous cell populations toward nonviable states, offering a predictive and physically interpretable alternative to therapies directed against oncogenic mutations and/or predefined cell subpopulations.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Mathematical Biology Tumor Growth
Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
Microtubule and mitosis dynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cancer Discovery
- Publisher
- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 637–643
- Publication date
- 1 April 2026
- Language
- EN