Event



How Evolution and Environment Shape Cancer

Department of Biology Seminar Series
Michael Hochberg, Ph.D. | University of Montpellier, Santa Fe Institute
- | Tedori Family Auditorium, Levine Building
Dr. Michael Hochberg

Evolutionary theory explains why metazoan species are largely protected against the negative fitness effects of cancers. Nevertheless, cancer is observed across a range of species and sometimes at high prevalence. I present a simple model showing how life history traits (e.g., body size) are expected to coevolve with anti-cancer mechanisms. The insights of this model form the basis for understanding cancer incidence and resistance mechanisms in different species and across different human tissues.