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Phase transitions in unstable cancer cell populations

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Abstract.

The dynamics of cancer evolution is studied by means of a simple quasispecies model involving cells displaying high levels of genetic instability. Both continuous, mean-field and discrete, bit-string models are analysed. The string model is simulated on a single-peak landscape. It is shown that a phase transition exists at high levels of genetic instability, thus separating two phases of slow and rapid growth. The results suggest that, under a conserved level of genetic instability the cancer cell population will be close to the threshold level. Implications for therapy are outlined.

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Correspondence to R. V. Solé.

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Received: 22 April 2003, Published online: 22 September 2003

PACS:

87.10.+e Biological physics: General theory and mathematical aspects - 87.23.Kg Dynamics of evolution - 87.23.-n Ecology and evolution - 89.75.Fb Structures and organization in complex systems

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Solé, R.V. Phase transitions in unstable cancer cell populations. Eur. Phys. J. B 35, 117–123 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2003-00262-8

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