What does "clonal evolution" refer to in cancer biology?

In cancer biology, "clonal evolution" specifically refers to the process where cancer cells undergo a gradual accumulation of mutations, leading to increasingly diverse populations of cells within a tumor. This accumulation of genetic changes allows for variations in characteristics, such as growth rate, invasiveness, and response to treatment.

Over time, certain mutations confer a survival advantage to some cancer cells, enabling them to proliferate and dominate the tumor population, resulting in a heterogeneous mix of cells. This heterogeneity is significant because it can lead to challenges in treatment; some cells may become resistant to therapies, making the cancer more difficult to manage.

Understanding clonal evolution is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving treatment strategies, as it highlights the dynamic nature of tumors and their capacity to adapt and evolve in response to therapeutic interventions.