Tumor initiation and progression are somatic evolutionary processes driven by the accumulation of genetic alterations, some of which confer selective fitness advantages to the host cell. This gene-centric model has shaped the field of cancer biology and advanced understanding of cancer pathophysiology. Importantly, however, each genotype encodes diverse phenotypic traits that permit acclimation to varied microenvironmental conditions. Epigenetic and transcriptional changes also contribute to the heritable phenotypic variation required for evolution. Additionally, interactions between cancer cells and surrounding stromal and immune cells through autonomous and non-autonomous signaling can influence competition for survival. Therefore, a mechanistic understanding of tumor progression must account for evolutionary and ecological dynamics. In this Perspective, we outline technological advances and model systems to characterize tumor progression through space and time. We discuss the importance of unifying experimentation with computational modeling and opportunities to inform cancer control.

肿瘤的发生和发展是由遗传改变积累驱动的体细胞进化过程，其中一些赋予宿主细胞选择性的适应性优势。这种以基因为中心的模型塑造了癌症生物学领域，并加深了对癌症病理生理学的理解。然而，重要的是，每种基因型编码各种表型性状，以适应各种微环境条件。表观遗传和转录变化也有助于进化所需的可遗传表型变异。另外，癌细胞与周围基质细胞和免疫细胞之间通过自主和非自主信号传导的相互作用会影响生存竞争。因此，对肿瘤进展的机械理解必须考虑进化和生态动力学。在此《观点》中，我们概述了技术进步和模型系统，以表征随着时间和空间变化的肿瘤进展。我们讨论了将计算模型与实验相统一以及告知癌症控制机会的重要性。