Evolutionary cancer strategy aims to outpace drug resistance
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Researchers at City St George's, University of London propose switching cancer therapies before tumors develop resistance, applying evolutionary theory to improve cure rates. Mathematical models suggest rapid, timed switches between multiple treatments could prevent relapse. The strategy targets one of oncology's biggest obstacles: drug resistance.
The Resistance Problem
Dr. Robert Noble, senior lecturer at City St George's, explains that tumors often regrow after initial shrinkage due to a small number of resistant cancer cells. Mutations occurring by chance during cell division can allow some cells to survive a drug, and their descendants may rebuild the tumor. Standard clinical practice continues treatment until tests show renewed growth, giving resistant cells more time to evolve.
Evolutionary Approach
The proposed strategy switches to a second therapy while the tumor is still responding, described as a 'kick it while it's down' approach. This could make it harder for any resistant cell group to dominate. The method draws on successful evolutionary tactics used against antibiotic resistance and in flu vaccine prediction.
What's Next
The researchers plan to test the strategy in clinical trials, though no timeline has been announced. It remains unclear which cancer types would benefit most or how rapidly therapy switches must occur to outpace resistance.
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Evolutionary cancer strategy aims to outpace drug resistance
