Resolving tumor evolution: a phylogenetic approach
Lin Li, Wenqin Xie, Li Zhan, Shaodi Wen, Xiao Luo, Shuangbin Xu, Yantong Cai, Wenli Tang, Qianwen Wang, Ming Li, Zijing Xie, Lin Deng, Hongyuan Zhu, Guangchuang Yu
Abstract
The evolutionary dynamics of cancer, characterized by its profound heterogeneity, demand sophisticated tools for a holistic understanding. This review delves into tumor phylogenetics, an essential approach bridging evolutionary biology with oncology, offering unparalleled insights into cancer's evolutionary trajectory. We provide an overview of the workflow, encompassing study design, data acquisition, and phylogeny reconstruction. Notably, the integration of diverse data sets emerges as a transformative step, enhancing the depth and breadth of evolutionary insights. With this integrated perspective, tumor phylogenetics stands poised to redefine our understanding of cancer evolution and influence therapeutic strategies.