Abstract

A biological transition point is the initial, instigating change that occurs when a cancer transitions from local to distant or treatment-sensitive to treatment-resistant; the field is currently limited to treating the corresponding clinical transition point - the time at which this change is first detected due to an amassed population of changed cells. Employing physical science and biological methods we can study the factors that affect biological transition points in order to improve clinical decision making and mitigate the damage caused by delayed clinical detection. Studying the changes occurring within individual tumour cells, within patients' organ systems, and within populations of patients to chart the dynamic course of cancer evolution, we can better predict and thus better treat this ever-changing disease.