In this short paper, authors discuss the potential of creating mathematical models of cancer in basis of the current knowledge in genetics and epigenetics, but instead of using the traditional reductionist methodology, they support a more comprehensive systemic approach. In their opinion, in this way it would be possible to reveal tumor properties not yet considered, towards better practices in research and medical care. Some of their conclusions were:
- [...] Cancer is a hierarchical system. The decisive step in carcinogenesis is the result of an irreversible qualitative change in one or more of the genetic characteristics of cancer cells. Although this modification governs the transformation of normal human cells into malignant cancer cells, it may or may not lead to visible changes [...]. This can be explained using the concept of emergence [...].
- Although the alterations usually occur at a characteristic stage of tumour advancement, experimental evidence indicates that the ongoing accumulation of changes is more important than their order of occurrence in the course of cancer. In physical terms, it is true that alterations in one parameter [...] are not necessarily associated with the loss of stability of a system, and it is also true that an unstable system is more sensitive to small changes in parameters [...].
- Considering cancer as a robust system [i.e. the ability of a living system to maintain performance (phenotypic stability) in the face of perturbations arising from environmental changes, stochastic events (or intracellular noise) and genetic variations] would provide us with a framework for future research strategies [...].
Perhaps a systemic modelling approach could answer some of the still elusive epigenetic questions, or reveal new ones that could never appear using a reductionist methodology.
Grizzi F. et al. 2006. Theor Biol Med Model 3:37
epigenetics
