Cancers Are Newly Evolved Parasitic Species, Biologist Argues
Breast Cancer Cells Dividing This confocal micrograph shows two human breast cancer cells dividing. The cell at the top is at prophase, showing the condensing chromosomes prior to their separation. The cell at the bottom is in anaphase, where the chromosomes are in the process of pulling apart. Wellcome Images Cancer patients may feel like they have alien creatures or parasites growing inside their bodies, robbing them of health and vigor. According to one cell biologist, that's exactly right. The formation of cancers is really the evolution of a new parasitic species. Just as parasites do, cancer depends on its host for sustenance, which is why treatments that choke off tumors can be so effective. Thanks to this parasite-host relationship, cancer can grow however it wants, wherever it wants. Cancerous cells do not depend on other cells for survival, and they develop chromosome patterns that are distinct from their human hosts, according...