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Controversial TOFT theory of cancer versus SMT model: Experts debate

Date:
April 15, 2011
Source:
Wiley-Blackwell
Summary:
Cancer scientists pit their controversial tissue organization field theory of the origin of cancer against the widely accepted somatic mutation theory in what is believed to be the first time the two theories have formally opposed each other in a forum for discussion.
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Writing in BioEssays, cancer scientists Ana Soto and Carlos Sonnenschein pit their controversial Tissue Organization Field Theory (TOFT) of the origin of cancer against the widely accepted Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT) in what is believed to be the first time the two theories have formally opposed each other -- championed by authors from opposite sides of the debate -- in a common forum for discussion.

Soto and Sonnenschein, from Tufts University, argue that SMT, which is based on the accumulation of genetic mutations in cells, not only fails to provide an explanation for observable phenomena in cancer biology, but with current technologies it is essentially untestable.

The TOFT theory proposes that cancer is a clonal, cell-based disease, and implicitly assumes that quiescence is the default state of cells in multicellular organisms.

"SMT is strongly supported by observations of leukemias that bear specific chromosome translocations," writes Dr David Vaux, from La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Australia, in defence of SMT. "Perhaps the strongest validation comes from the successful treatment of certain malignancies with drugs that directly target the product of the mutant gene."

"This appears to be the first time that the TOFT has formally gone head-to-head with the SMT in a common arena" said BioEssays, Editor-in-Chief Andrew Moore.

"BioEssays believes that science advances through the clear exposition of contrary views, and has created a new forum for vigorous debate which addresses the fundamental basis of cancer: may our readers decide for themselves!" adds David Thomas, BioEssays, Editorial Board Member, and co-editor of the Point<>Counterpoint pair.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Wiley-Blackwell. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal References:

  1. David L. Vaux. In defense of the somatic mutation theory of cancer. BioEssays, 2011; 33 (5): 341 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100022
  2. Ana M. Soto, Carlos Sonnenschein. The tissue organization field theory of cancer: A testable replacement for the somatic mutation theory. BioEssays, 2011; 33 (5): 332 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100025

Cite This Page:

Wiley-Blackwell. "Controversial TOFT theory of cancer versus SMT model: Experts debate." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 15 April 2011. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415083217.htm>.
Wiley-Blackwell. (2011, April 15). Controversial TOFT theory of cancer versus SMT model: Experts debate. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415083217.htm
Wiley-Blackwell. "Controversial TOFT theory of cancer versus SMT model: Experts debate." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415083217.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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