Evolutionary aspects of cancer - Mel Greaves
On my book reviews page there is a review of Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy by Mel Greaves. Anyone who is interested in this important topic should see Greaves's lecture to an audience of biologists published in 2013.
Greaves is Professor of Cell Biology at the Institute of Cell Biology in London. Two important messages emerge from his lecture. One is that the fundamental importance of Darwninian evolution for our understanding of disease in general and cancer in particular is still not fully recognised, and the other - which is a consequence of the first - is that much of the research in cancer treaement at present is missing the real point and is unlikely to provide a lot of benefit. The research effort needs to be directed differently. We also need to do more to achieve early treatment and improve prevention, both of which are achievable right now. The treatment of more advanced cancers is likely always to be difficult.
Greaves is Professor of Cell Biology at the Institute of Cell Biology in London. Two important messages emerge from his lecture. One is that the fundamental importance of Darwninian evolution for our understanding of disease in general and cancer in particular is still not fully recognised, and the other - which is a consequence of the first - is that much of the research in cancer treaement at present is missing the real point and is unlikely to provide a lot of benefit. The research effort needs to be directed differently. We also need to do more to achieve early treatment and improve prevention, both of which are achievable right now. The treatment of more advanced cancers is likely always to be difficult.
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