A Darwinian Perspective on Tumor Evolution

Tumor evolution refers to the process by which a tumor develops and changes over time. Tumor evolution is a complex phenomenon that involves a series of stages and factors that contribute to tumor growth, progression and dissemination. These factors may include genetic mutations, changes in gene expression, interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and the immune system response. Tumor evolution can lead to the acquisition of characteristics that allow the tumor to evade the body's control mechanisms and become more aggressive. This may include the capacity for uncontrolled growth, invasion of surrounding tissues, metastasis formation, and resistance to therapy. Understanding tumor evolution is essential to develop more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies against cancer. Current research is actively studying the mechanisms involved in tumor evolution to identify new targeted therapies and treatment strategies that can address tumor heterogeneity and plasticity. In this review we provide an evolutive perspective of Cancer. From a Darwinian point of view, we present tumors as biological entities subject to similar traits to evolve and develop as natural species. This Darwinian process has strong effects in the clinical tumor as organism behavior, alone or after treatment. From understanding tumorigenesis to treatments, from cancer as disease in its interaction with the microenvironment to therapies; in this review we provide a biological perspective to better understand tumor evolution.