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The evolution of resistance and tolerance as cancer defences

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 13:03 authored by Thomas, F, Giraudeau, M, Gouzerh, F, Boutry, J, Renaud, F, Pujol, P, Tasiemski, A, Bernex, F, Maraver, A, Bousquet, E, Dormont, L, Osterkamp, J, Roche, B, Rodrigo Hamede RossRodrigo Hamede Ross, Ujvari, B
Although there is a plethora of cancer associated-factors that can ultimately culminate in death (cachexia, organ impairment, metastases, opportunistic infections, etc.), the focal element of every terminal malignancy is the failure of our natural defences to control unlimited cell proliferation. The reasons why our defences apparently lack efficiency is a complex question, potentially indicating that, under Darwinian terms, solutions other than preventing cancer progression are also important contributors. In analogy with host-parasite systems, we propose to call this latter option 'tolerance' to cancer. Here, we argue that the ubiquity of oncogenic processes among metazoans is at least partially attributable to both the limitations of resistance mechanisms and to the evolution of tolerance to cancer. Deciphering the ecological contexts of alternative responses to the cancer burden is not a semantic question, but rather a focal point in understanding the evolutionary ecology of host-tumour relationships, the evolution of our defences, as well as why and when certain cancers are likely to be detrimental for survival.

History

Publication title

Parasitology

Volume

147

Pagination

255-262

ISSN

0031-1820

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Cambridge Univ Press

Place of publication

40 West 20Th St, New York, USA, Ny, 10011-4211

Rights statement

© Cambridge University Press 2019

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences

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