Karzinogenese: Big Bang oder kontinuierliche Evolution?

Intra-tumour heterogeneity is a key characteristic of tumours and poses significant clinical challenges. Despite extensive research, the evolutionary processes shaping cancer genomes are not yet fully understood. We here discuss two conflicting theories about the evolution of solid tumours: the Big Bang model and the classical model of continuous evolution. Using chromosomal instability we shed light on the preferred mode of cancer evolution and its implications for personalised treatment.