The end of the genetic paradigm of cancer

Genome sequencing of cancer and normal tissues, alongside single-cell transcriptomics, continues to produce findings that challenge the idea that cancer is a 'genetic disease', as posited by the somatic mutation theory (SMT). In this prevailing paradigm, tumorigenesis is caused by cancer-driving somatic mutations and clonal expansion. However, results from tumor sequencing, motivated by the genetic paradigm itself, create apparent 'paradoxes' that are not conducive to a pure SMT. But beyond genetic causation, the new results lend credence to old ideas from organismal biology. To resolve inconsistencies between the genetic paradigm of cancer and biological reality, we must complement deep sequencing with deep…

• JT
  John Templeton Foundation

  Award: 62220/ subaward A009723018
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Award: 1R01CA255536-01A1
• NI
  National Institute of General Medical Sciences

  Award: 1 R01 GM135396-01
• NI
  National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

  Award: ES030045