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10/26/2023 11:20

Deceiving cancer to facilitate treatment The effect of the phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells and how to exploit it

Michael Hesse Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionsbiologie

    Cancer cells are notorious for rapidly changing their phenotype, driving within-host spread and evading treatment. Scientists in Plön used a mathematical model to understand the role of a signal used by cancer cells to control their phenotype. By manipulating these signals, cancer cells can be tricked into a less harmful phenotype that is more responsive to treatments.

    Mathematical oncology is a growing interdisciplinary field of research that harnesses the power of cancer biology, clinical insights, and mathematics. By using computational techniques and mathematical equations to understand the dynamic nature of cancer, the field strives to quantify the ecology, evolution, and treatment of cancer. Mathematical oncology is pivotal in advancing the fight against the lethal disease by enhancing and personalizing the ability to diagnose and treat cancer.

    Phenotypic plasticity of carcinomas:
    The search for a weakness in the fight against cancer cells

    Carcinomas, cancer of epithelial cells, are known to show phenotypic plasticity, the ability to change traits based on the surroundings, making them difficult to treat. Cancer cells manage their phenotype by hijacking the immune system and relying on signals from immune cells. In a recently published study, Saumil Shah, Arne Traulsen, and Michael Raatz from the Department of Theoretical Biology at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön turned this devastating feature of cancer cells into a weakness by showing how this plasticity can be exploited.

    Signals secreted by immune cells change the internal state of the cancer cells, manifesting as distinct phenotypes. When this signal is manipulated, the internal state of the cancer cell changes. As a response, the cancer cell changes its phenotype, becomes less harmful, and more responsive to treatment. Together with collaborators from the Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Kiel, Saumil Shah and colleagues developed mathematical equations that capture the cancer cell response to these signals. They provide an understanding that will ultimately help to personalize and optimize cancer treatment.


    Contact for scientific information:

    Saumil Shah (English)
    Dr. Michael Raatz (German)
    Department of Theoretical Biology
    Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology


    Original publication:

    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41540-023-00309-1


    More information:

    https://www.evolbio.mpg.de/3720009/news_publication_21003727_transferred?c=15503


    Images

    Mathematical model of tumor heterogeneity and phenotype switching: A detailed analysis.
    Mathematical model of tumor heterogeneity and phenotype switching: A detailed analysis.
    M.Raatz
    MPI for Evolutionary Biology


    Criteria of this press release:
    Journalists, Scientists and scholars, Students
    Biology
    transregional, national
    Research results
    English


     

    Mathematical model of tumor heterogeneity and phenotype switching: A detailed analysis.


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