Cancer as Atavism, Not Mutation

Dr. Charley Lineweaver argues tumors are cells reverting to an ancient unicellular 'program' rather than inventing new capabilities via mutations. In this view, newer genes that enable multicellular cooperation fail first, revealing conserved weaknesses to target. The heuristic 'cancer cannot do anything new' reframes both mechanism and therapy. — If oncology adopts an atavistic model, research funding, clinical trials, and medical training could shift toward targeting ancient, conserved pathways and exploiting regression-linked vulnerabilities.